The Chicago Bears run game was virtually nonexistent during the 2019 NFL season. Although there were a number of factors that contributed to it, the underwhelming year from running back Tarik Cohen certainly played a part.
Despite coming off a strong sophomore campaign, Cohen struggled to emerge into a bonafide offensive weapon for the Bears last season. According to Bryan Perez of NBC Sports, he admits that he did not properly prepare himself for the grind of a grueling season:
‘‘I’ve been doing yoga now, stretching more often and just like the small training room — in-house things you do to keep your body durable,’’ Cohen said. ‘‘And to keep the wear-and-tear of the season off of you longer. I really slacked on that. I always had older guys that would keep me on that, keep me in line.’’
Cohen's comments provide some insight on what contributed to his lackluster year after tallying a career-low in rushing yards (213) to go along with 79 receptions for 456 and three touchdowns. While his contributions in the passing game with paled in comparison to the high expectations he set in his first year under head coach Matt Nagy, it appears to have served as just the kind of wake-up call he needed to take the necessary precautions ahead of the 2020 NFL season.
Cohen is not the only one that is optimistic about a potential resurgence in the 2020 campaign. Running back David Montgomery is also confident that his familiarity with the system will pay huge dividends in Year 2. The onus will fall on Nagy to help this talented young duo emerge into one of the most promising one-two punches in the league.