NEWSLETTER
One of my favorite fun facts about the 2022 NFL season is that Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert’s 5.7 yards per carry were the most among running backs who qualified for the rushing title.
Fellow running backs Tony Pollard, Josh Jacobs, and Saquon Barkley — all of whom were just given the Franchise Tag from their respective teams — were all behind Herbert in the yards per carry category. In other words, Herbert was the truth with the ball in his hands.
And it sounds like Herbert might be getting more of those opportunities this upcoming season.
Just check out to how Head Coach Matt Eberflus spoke of Herbert at the Combine (h/t Matthew Berry’s Monday column):
Speaking at the podium on Khalil Herbert, Matt Eberflus said “He’s an exciting player to watch, he can hit the home run. He has some things to work on, too, being a more viable option out of the backfield, all those things we all talk about.”
Yeah, so, those types of compliments have me thinking things are lining up for Herbert to be the Bears’ top running back in 2023. Perhaps especially if they’re looking for only “mid-level” veteran help in free agency.
Reading about a defensive coach gushing about an offensive playmaker will always bring a smile to my face. The things an offensive player needs to do in order to win over a defensive-leaning head coach must be out of this world. You know Herbert is doing something right to get that praise. Moreover, Herbert must be living right because he also receives a nudge regarding things he needs to work on. My best days are when someone tells me they dig my work, but also can inspire me to be better. Even if it is underscoring some of my flaws. And there is no more productive time to point that stuff out than when simultaneously giving a compliment. This is how positive reinforcement works.
In other words: Go get ’em, Khalil! The stats say you’re a darn good rusher. Your head coach knows you are good, too. And he wants to see you improve in some areas. Areas that could allow you to get a larger amount of snaps. Maybe even turn those snaps into more carries, touchdowns, and the home run plays your coach is dreaming up.
