Tarik Cohen is the new likely starting running back for the Chicago Bears after the team made the decision to trade Jordan Howard to the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason. Chicago has other running backs and won't turn to Cohen to be a workhorse, but at this point in time, he is the likely starter.
Last season with the Bears, Cohen's game took a big step forward under head coach Matt Nagy. His ability to make dynamic plays fit perfectly into the Bears' offense. Cohen should see an increase in touches this season, which should translate to even bigger numbers.
Cohen carried the football just 99 times last season, but racked up 444 yards and three touchdowns. Those numbers average out to a very solid 4.5 yards per carry. He also caught an impressive 77 passes for 725 yards and five touchdowns.
Chicago loves having running backs who are capable of making plays on the ground and through the air. That will be important moving forward with Mitchell Trubisky under center. Having the ability to check down to an elusive back like Cohen opens up the offense for the Bears.
All of that being said, let's dive in and take a look at three early goals that Cohen should set for himself for the upcoming 2019 NFL season.
3. Become the Clear-Cut Starter
While Cohen will likely open training camp and preseason action as the starter in the backfield, there are other talented players he will compete for time with. Those other running backs are Mike Davis and David Montgomery. Both players should have some kind of role in 2019.
Even with that being the case, Cohen has been in the offense longer and is more talented. He needs to come into the year looking to take the starting job and prove that it should be his. If he can do that, he will be in line to have a big year.
2. Rack Up at Least 800 Yards on the Ground and Through the Air
Next up, the Bears are going to be using Cohen as a dual-threat back. He is going to see a major uptick in carries, but will also be asked to be an even bigger part of the passing offense. That brings up a very clear goal.
Cohen should be aiming to rack up at least 800 yards on the ground as well as 800 yards through the air. Having a combined 1,600 yards on the season would be a major success. Nagy and company are going to give Cohen a chance to do just that and the Bears' offense will be lethal if he can reach that goal.
1. Improve His YPC to at Least 5.0
As we previously mentioned, Cohen averaged 4.5 yards per carry last season. That number isn't bad at all, but the Bears would love to see Cohen use his speed and elusiveness to improve it this year.
Cohen should target at least five yards per carry as a reasonable goal for the 2019 season. That would simply mean breaking off more big runs and making more plays. Obviously, that is something that Cohen should be able to do with more opportunities.
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