Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert is superb when it comes to carrying the ball. Despite only appearing in 13 games last season and playing second fiddle to David Montgomery, Herbert rushed for 731 yards and four touchdowns on just 129 carries. He’s a threat to break off a big run anytime he touches the ball.
When he’s not getting the ball and is asked to protect the quarterback instead, he’s been a liability. But with a new opportunity in front of him, that’s something Herbert is looking to fix this offseason.
Herbert spoke with reporters on Wednesday during the Bears’ organized team activities (OTAs) and discussed how he’s looking to elevate his game. In a question posed by the Chicago Sun Times’ Mark Potash, Herbert revealed he has been training this offseason to specifically improve his pass blocking and how that factors into winning the starting running back job. “You got to be an every-down back so that’s a big part of it,” Herbert said. “That’s something I’ve worked on throughout this offseason. I don’t know compared to the other guys but that’s something that I’ve been working on to fix.”
#Bears RB Khalil Herbert says he's been training in the offseason to specifically improve his blocking.
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) May 31, 2023
The third-year running back detailed his training methods to improve in that area, which focused on boxing. “Punching bags, boxing, I did boxing this offseason just to work on my punch timing. Different things like that.”
Khalil Herbert took up boxing to help work on pass pro this offseason. Tried to use boxing to help time his punches better when engaging blockers.
— Alex Shapiro (@AlexShapiroNBCS) May 31, 2023
Since coming into the league, Herbert has rotated with Montgomery in the backfield, but also saw limited opportunities due to those deficiencies. With Montgomery now gone and veterans D’Onta Foreman and Travis Homer, along with rookie Roschon Johnson in the mix, Herbert has a chance to take control of the top running back spot. To do that, though, he needs to show his blocking is improved.
The Bears struggled mightily to contain pressure in 2022, surrendering 58 sacks in total, third-most in the league. While he wasn’t the main culprit, Herbert’s struggles with pass blocking played a role in some of those sacks.
His issues didn’t end on offense though. Herbert also had problems blocking on special teams with his worst moment coming against the Miami Dolphins when he missed a defender that led to a blocked punt and a touchdown.
There’s no denying Herbert’s skills as a runner after what he has shown since coming into the league. But to take that next step and become an every-down back, his blocking needs to improve. The fact it’s been a focus of Herbert’s offseason workouts is encouraging for his development.
