In that sense, Montgomery will be the most important Bear in the wild-card game. If the second-year running back is putting any extra energy into playing his first playoff game, though, he’s not acting like it. His answers Friday were more elusive than any run he has had all season. “It’s still a football game, isn’t it?” he said. “I’m just ready to go out and have fun.” He has had fun the last six games. Because of a concussion, Montgomery missed offensive coordinator Bill Lazor’s first game as play-caller. He has been dominant since returning for the first Packers game, averaging 99.7 rushing yards per game and 5.15 yards per carry. In his first nine games, he averaged 59.4 yards and 3.6 yards per carry.
Interview with the Enemy: Alvin Kamara could attack a Chicago defense managing injuries
Let’s hope AK is able to suit up.
Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
The first week of the postseason, and another week of our Interview with the Enemy series. This week, Jeff Berckes of Windy City Gridiron answers 5 quick questions before our wild card showdown: the New Orleans Saints hosting the Chicago Bears.
How does this team look personnel-wise compared to the team that played the Saints back in Week 8?
The main differences are the offensive line and the quarterback. In Week 8, the Bears were still trotting out Rashaad Coward in place of the injured James Daniels. Cody Whitehair, the Center to begin the year, has been restored to his more natural position at LG. Sam Mustipher, who made his first start against New Orleans, has held that position down since Week 12. His former college teammate, Alex Bars, has held down the RG spot. Germain Ifedi, the RG in Week 1, has kicked out to RT to
Matt Nagy said. “He’s day-to-day, and he’s progressively getting better.” Defensive lineman
Deon Bush (foot) also did not participate in practice.
Massie on the way back Right tackle
Bobby Massie has been “designated for return” from the injured-reserve list, meaning he’s eligible to practice and be activated as early as Sunday’s game against the Packers. That appears unlikely, but it positions Massie to return in the playoffs if the Bears qualify. Massie has missed the last eight games after suffering a knee injury on the first series against the Saints on Nov. 1 at Soldier Field.
Rashaad Coward started against the Titans and Vikings before being replaced by
It’s the last Monday of 2020. Positive vibes are the only thing I’m asking for today. That means I’m not diving too deep into Mitchell Trubisky’s inexcusable red-zone interception. Or that overthrow of Cole Kmet down the sideline that should’ve been an easy touchdown. I won’t even dwell on how the Bears defense was credited with only one sack and three quarterback hits on Mike Glennon.
I’m all about positive energy to start today, so let’s get after it.
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People never get the flowers while they can still smell ‘em” is one of my favorite Kanye West one-liners ever. And with that on my mind, I’d like to give the Bears offense its flowers:
PFF ranks Montgomery as its third-highest-graded running back behind all-world performer Derrick Henry and stud rusher Dalvin Cook. When you’re running well enough to be put into a category with those two guys, you’re doing something right. The best part is that it doesn’t take advanced analytics to show us that Montgomery is at the core of the offense’s improvement.
Montgomery is averaging 108.5 rushing yards per game over the last four games. He has flashed some playmaking skills as a receiver out of the backfield, too with 14 catches for 137 yards. Altogether, Montgomery has scored 6 touchdowns in four games. He is averaging 21 touches and 142 scrimmage yards per game. Montgomery is finally the focal point of the offense and it’s paying off.