If there is one thing for sure that the Chicago Bears are going to do well in the 2023 season it is run the ball. Despite trailing often in 2022 and finishing the season 3-14, Chicago had the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL.
Quarterback Justin Fields was a big reason for that, as he was on pace to shatter the single-season rushing record for a quarterback of all time. He ran for 1,143 yards to lead the team. David Montgomery was second with 801 yards and Khalil Herbert was third with 731.
Heading into the 2023 season, the Bears could be even more dangerous on the ground. While Montgomery moved on in free agency, signing a deal with the Detroit Lions, the team was able to replace him with D’Onta Foreman. Chicago also added Roschon Johnson in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Texas.
Those two, combined with Herbert and Fields, will be a lot for teams to handle on the ground. All four bring something different to the table, whether it is power, speed or elusiveness. One thing that they all have in common is that they are tough to tackle.
The most impressive stat for all four of them is how many yards they pick up after contact. Last season, the Bears led the league in yards after contact. Fields averaged 3.4 yards after contact last season, which was first among quarterbacks. Herbert was at 3.3, which was sixth for running backs.
Foreman, who took over as the starter last season for the Carolina Panthers when Christian McCaffrey was traded, averaged 2.8, which was tied for 14th. In college, Johnson averaged 4.0, which was tied for 10th.
If defenses are going to slow down the Bears’ rushing attack, they are going to need to wrap up and gang tackle. That quartet is difficult to take down one-on-one as they will always be fighting for extra yards, and more often than not, gain them.
After finishing first in rushing last season, the Bears ground attack could be even more efficient in 2023. With bonafide weapons in the passing game and an improved offensive line, more rushing lanes should be available for Fields, Foreman, Herbert and Johnson to run through.
