Bears notebook: Running game still strong with David Montgomery, Khalil Herbert

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Bears’ implosion during their 49-29 loss to the Cowboys on Sunday left them with few positives, but there’s still a lot to like about their running game.

That can’t be the entirety of their offense like it was early in the season, but it’s a big part of the equation in finding a viable identity. And as they approach the trade deadline Tuesday, it would be prudent for them to hang on to running backs David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert.

Those two and quarterback Justin Fields combined for 212 yards on 39 rushes for a robust average of 5.4 yards per carry. Herbert ran for 99 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries, and Montgomery added 53 on 15 and caught three passes for 22 yards.

“They’re a really good defense, but we were able to scheme up some things and get after them a little bit,” Montgomery said.

He also had one of the costliest mistakes of the game, however, fumbling on a 13-yard catch in the third quarter when linebacker Leighton Vander Esch hit him. Micah Parsons recovered the ball and returned it for a touchdown and a 42-23 lead.

Montgomery is the more likely trade candidate of the two running backs because he’s going to be a free agent at the end of the season. But even though Herbert is outgaining him 6.2 yards per carry to 3.9, Montgomery is by far the Bears’ best pass-blocking back and is a reliable option for Fields as a receiver.

Jackson gets a pick

There’s a short list from which to choose, but the Bears’ best defensive play was when safety Eddie Jackson cut off a deep pass up the middle for CeeDee Lamb just before halftime and returned the interception into field-goal range.

That swung the game from the Cowboys potentially going up 35-14 at halftime to the Bears getting to the locker room down only 28-17.

Jackson had 10 interceptions over his first three seasons, making two Pro Bowls, but none in 2020 or ’21. He seems to have rediscovered his tenacity for turnovers this season with four picks.

It was uncertain whether he’d last with the Bears as general manager Ryan Poles looked to dump big contracts in the offseason, but Jackson is making a strong case to be part of the Bears’ future.

“I’m really encouraged,” Poles said last week. “He struggled a little bit last year, but his ability to make plays right now has been good. I like his physicality. I thought that was lacking a little bit before. He’s coming in and making tackles and making plays, so that’s been great.”

O-line carousel

The Bears are running out of offensive linemen.

With starting right tackle Larry Borom out with a concussion, they used their fifth starting-lineup combination in eight games. Veteran Riley Reiff started for Borom, and Sam Mustipher moved back to center with Lucas Patrick (toe) on injured reserve.

Right guard Teven Jenkins, arguably the Bears’ most consistent lineman this season, missed part of the game because of an apparent leg injury, leaving the Bears to play Dieter Eiselen on offense for the first time in his career. Eiselen was on the practice squad until this week.