It's no secret the Chicago Bears running game has not gotten off to the start they had hoped when the season began. Through five games they are averaging just 3.4 yards on the ground. This has led people to start scrambling for excuses. Some blame head coach Matt Nagy and his run schemes. Others blame the offensive line which has proven a disappointment so far this season. One person though thinks their problem is in the backfield.
Future Hall of Fame left tackle Joe Thomas, now working for NFL Network, was asked about a "dream trade" idea with the upcoming deadline on the horizon. True to his history, Thomas stayed close to his roots by pinpointing fellow Wisconsin alum Melvin Gordon as a perfect solution for the Bears. The argument is fairly straightforward. Gordon is a versatile and proven running back who fits everything the Bears could want. With Mitch Trubisky struggling, this could be just the ticket to get the offense going.
Chicago Bears trade for Melvin Gordon has no logic to it
There is no doubt that a deal for Gordon would qualify as a splash move for the Bears, but would it really alter the bottom line for them? Not really. Fellow commentator Steve Smith made an excellent point during the segment when Thomas argued that David Montgomery, the Bears' rookie 3rd round pick, wasn't getting it done at 3.0 yards per carry. Smith simply replied, "Melvin Gordon isn't either."
He's right. Since returning from his extended contract holdout, Gordon is averaging just 2.5 yards per carry with no touchdowns through two games. A big reason why is the rampant health problems along the Chargers offensive line. He's found no holes to run through and thus has been almost completely shut down. This should be a lesson for the Bears. It doesn't matter who they employ at running back. If the line can't block, they can't help you.
Besides that, there is the lingering contract issue. Trading for Gordon could end up being just a rental situation since he'll be a free agent next March. The Bears don't have a lot of money in 2020 and likely won't want to spend it on a running back who turns 27 that year. Truth be told, if the Bears want to improve their offense via trade, they'd be better off targeting offensive line or tight help. A running back isn't going to solve their problems.
