Bears running back Khalil Herbert was one of the most efficient running backs in the NFL during the 2022 season.
Herbert, who was part of the league’s top-ranked rushing attack, thrived in Luke Getsy’s offense. Herbert had 129 carries for 731 yards and four touchdowns. He ranked second to only quarterback Justin Fields (1,143 yards) in rushing.
Herbert averaged 5.7 yards per carry, which was the highest among all qualifying running backs.
According to Fantasy Points‘ Scott Barrett, Herbert also led the NFL in rushing yards over expectation per carry in 2022 — and it wasn’t even close. Cowboys running back Tony Pollard came in second behind Herbert.
Khalil Herbert and Tony Pollard ranked 1st- and 2nd-best in rushing yards over expectation per carry.
David Montgomery and Ezekiel Elliott both ranked bottom-7 by the same stat.
Want to guess which RBs led their teams in carries last year? pic.twitter.com/bNUQLHanca
— Scott Barrett (@ScottBarrettDFB) May 17, 2023
Herbert achieved the feat in a reserve role behind David Montgomery, and it’s one of the reasons why the Bears went in the direction they did. Montgomery signed with the Detroit Lions in free agency while Chicago added D’Onta Foreman and rookie Roschon Johnson to the mix alongside Herbert.
Now, Herbert is the favorite to get the workload in a Bears offense that’s predicated to running the ball. Herbert excelled in his limited opportunities in 2022. Now, we’ll see if he can take advantage of a heavier workload this upcoming season.
