The Chicago Bears didn't make a lot of moves this offseason at running back. Just a pair of undrafted free agent signings. One of whom has since been cut. This speaks to just how much the team is ready to feature David Montgomery in 2020. They haven't been shy about singing his praises whenever given the chance. Are they really prepared to feed him?
That can only be answered by head coach Matt Nagy. He's insisted on his desire to get the running game going again after a dismal 2019. Montgomery managed just 3.7 yards per carry behind atrocious blocking. This is why Juan Castillo was hired as offensive line coach. It's hoped he can whip the front five back into shape.
Speaking of in shape, it seems Montgomery has no intention of letting his career be determined by others. Dr. Michael Risher runs the Rehab Lab in Chicago. It is a rehab and training facility meant to help people recover from injuries and also strengthen their bodies. Working with athletes is a specialty of theirs.
According to Risher, his team has worked with Montgomery this offseason and the results are substantial.
A faster, stronger David Montgomery is scary
Here's the thing. Montgomery was already a strong young man. Last season he was tied for 3rd-most broken tackles in the NFL. Just one behind rushing champion Derrick Henry. Getting him on the ground was a problem for defenses. To think he could be considerably stronger now after his first full year working under professional trainers on a top tier workout regimen?
That is scary to think about. Especially if he also manages to add some speed. Montgomery was never the fastest guy on the field. So any bit of extra juice he can get is a major bonus for the Bears. If nothing else, this is a testament to the work the 23-year old has put in. Despite the COVID-19 disaster and not being able to work with his coaches, he still managed to arrive at training camp in the best shape of his life.
Hopefully the team will give him a chance to showcase those results.
