Cincinnati Bengals: 4 toughest running backs on 2021 schedule

The Cincinnati Bengals will face their fair share of difficult running backs this year and this is problematic considering just how bad their run defense was a season ago. The Bengals defense surrendered the fourth-most rushing yards and while they’ve made it a point to improve their defense, it’s still going to be tough slowing these guys down.

Let’s check out the toughest running backs on Cincinnati’s 2021 schedule.

Toughest Running Backs on Bengals 2021 Schedule: No. 4 – David Montgomery

In the second week of the season, the Bengals head to the Windy City for a date with the Chicago Bears. While the storyline of this game could be the Bengals facing their former quarterback in Andy Dalton, the scariest part of the Bears offense comes in the form of David Montgomery.

Montgomery, who was born in Cincinnati, was a third-round pick out of Iowa State in the 2019 NFL Draft and exploded onto the scene last year, tallying 1,070 yards and eight rushing touchdowns. He was also a threat in the receiving game, hauling in 54 receptions for 438 receiving yards and making two trips into the end zone as a receiver.

Considering how much the Bengals struggled in stopping the run last year, a running back who can also make a dent through the air isn’t something this team is looking forward to game plan against. Montgomery carved up defenses in more ways than one a season ago and he’ll absolutely be able to do it again this year.

Montgomery’s best game last season came against the Vikings in Week 15. The former Cyclone carried the ball a whopping 32 times and totaled 146 yards with two rushing touchdowns. He’ll be set up to have a similar performance against the Bengals in Week 2.