Thread by @jacksobleTLS

🚨🚨🚨MONTGOMERY THREAD🚨🚨🚨

Many #Bears fans may be wondering why Ryan Pace traded up for David Montgomery when Darrell Henderson could’ve been had by trading up just 3 picks earlier.

The answer: Montgomery’s skillset is a much better fit for Matt Nagy’s run scheme. Ditto Henderson for Sean McVay’s #Rams.

McVay uses outside zone-centric approach, which allows RBs with great long speed who can make guys miss in the open field shine, as Todd Gurley can attest.

It works because it gives guys who may not have great short area quickness time and space to build up their speed and blow by defenders, who are moving laterally and not upfield so they won’t get walled off. Henderson thrived in college with this approach.

Here’s another example. He has time and space find the hole, gets to the second level, makes one man miss in thre open field, and he’s gone.

Here it is again. He doesn’t really set up and make cuts at the LOS but a McVay type scheme is awesome at hiding that. Henderson will turn into a star with the #Rams because McVay will let him show breakaway ability on almost every play.

Matt Nagy, however, runs a shotgun run scheme that features inside zone, power, OZ from the gun. These plays require short area quickness, anticipation, contact balance, and fast decision making. I examined this in my latest film video.

These are all attibutee that David Montgomery features on tape. First, the contact balance. These plays can involve a defender breaking the LOS barrier immediately (because they’re free to go upfield), and it’s up to the RB to avoid him.

Now look at how decisive he is. He takes the ball, takes one look at the trenches, and immediately decides to take the outside lane. No hesitation whatsoever. He doesn’t have Henderson’s long speed, but his other qualities make that okay for Nagy.

Here it is again, with a bit more contact balance. There is a split-second window to decide his next move once the DL and slot CB close in. He spins away from both and somehow stays on his feet for 8 yards. LOOK AT HIM KEEP HIS FEET CHURNING AND FINISH THE RUN I LOVE THIS KID.

Also huge for Nagy: sometimes you have to just take what’s given. If the line gets an upfield push, it’s wise to just plow ahead instead of attempting to make defenders miss, and Montgomery will do so. Again, there is a tiny window to make the right choice.

Here it is again. He usually doesn’t get cute when he doesn’t have to. It did happen, but not nearly as often as you’d expect.

Finally, the way he sets up his moves is indicative of his crazy-good vision and intelligence. Here we see him chop his feet and bolt to the right to get rid of the end man, as well as make a subtle fake inside with his head/feet to freeze the second level defender.

That head fake. My god. He’s so elusive, so smart, and he’s perfect for Matt Nagy’s run scheme. This thread, which ends now, is why both the #Bears and the #Rams hit home runs last night.

Thanks to everyone for your kind words on this. If you enjoyed it, follow me, @TheLoop_Sports, and @monstersofdamic. And watch X’s and Soble, my video breakdowns, on YouTube.