Fixing the offensive line was the likely focus of the bye week for the Chicago Bears. It’s been in the midst of a serious downturn thanks to undisciplined play and lingering health problems with right guard Kyle Long. The latter situation was resolved by placing Long on injured reserve. The other issue remains uncertain. One thing the Bears are eager to do moving forward is finding a way to get young running back David Montgomery going. Something they haven’t been able to do almost all season.
Improved blocking across the board would obviously be preferable. However, there are certain other ways to at least get a bit more out of things. This can be done with a slight adjustment in the directional approach. What does that mean? It’s not that complicated. The Bears should look to feed Montgomery on more run plays going behind the area of the line that has gotten him the most consistent production to this point.
One thing stood out. Whenever the Bears ran him to the left side of the offensive line behind Charles Leno and Cody Whitehair, he got the most effective overall blocking. Granted, it hasn’t been great blocking but it’s been steadier than anywhere else. Chicago has run Montgomery to the right side 33 times for 125 yards (2.64 per carry), up the middle 11 times for 33 yards (3.0 per carry), and to the left 21 times for 67 yards (3.13 per carry).
It’s a modest difference to be sure, but it’s still noteworthy.
This shouldn’t be a surprise. Leno and Whitehair both went to the Pro Bowl last season. They are the most dependable blockers the Bears have in terms of two guys next to each other. James Daniels is still learning at center and Long was injured. Bobby Massie was basically a man on an island at the right tackle spot. He couldn’t open lanes by himself. Until the Bears know what they have at right guard, be it, Rashaad Coward or Ted Larsen, the best idea is for them to send Montgomery behind their best blocking.
That has been the left side.
It may not be the ideal solution to the overall problem, but until the line as a whole finds its footing, the best thing to do is stick to what works best. It may not lead to a breakout for the rookie, but it should give the Bears a bit more of a steady presence on the ground. Something they need with Mitch Trubisky returning from his shoulder injury.
