This remains an issue for Chicago Bears RB Khalil Herbert

One area that has held back Khalil Herbert throughout his career has been his involvement in the Chicago Bears’ passing attack. He is not only poor as a pass protector but he is also limited as a pass catcher as well.

So, when Herbert returned to the lineup it was interesting to see how they used him. The Chicago Bears just saw Darrynton Evans emerge as a passing down back, but instead of working the three backs in together, Evans was limited, and Herbert was essentially is a 65-35 split with David Montgomery.

This was interesting to note because it did put Herbert on the field for passing downs. Needless to say, it went how it typically goes. He only had four pass block reps, and they were fine, but he was targeted three times, and he caught two passes for -4 yards.

Herbert had a drop. It was not an easy catch, as Herbert was actually running a route and had to jump for it, but he needed to make the catch. On both receptions, he failed to get yards after the catch despite it being available.

Neither throw was perfect, and one throw ended with him on the ground. The other saw him slow to change directions and get up to speed. Both saw him dropped for a loss of two.

His yards per route run is now down to 0.64. For comparison, David Montgomery is at 1.26, and Evans is at 1.22. This is an issue no matter how you slice it.

So, this will impact the Chicago Bears’ decision with David Montgomery. He not only is a great first punch to loosen up defenses for Herbert but he also can be used in the passing game. If Montgomery goes, they would need to rely on Evans much more, or they would need to sign another back who can pass protect and catch passes.

This is worth thinking about over the next two weeks. The team should play Evans and see how much they can trust him in the passing game when mixed in with Herbert. The two have not played together this season.

If they do not trust Herbert and Evans as their one-two punch, they need to consider paying for Montgomery, because they will be paying a back one way or the other.