Matt Nagy's failure to use Tarik Cohen in the Chicago Bears' Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers has come under criticism the last several days. Cohen, who's arguably Chicago's best playmaker, had zero carries. He did manage eight receptions for 49 yards, but his impact could've been much greater had he touched the ball more.
Fortunately, Cohen has bought into Nagy's 'we over me' message and isn't concerned with his personal stats.
“I don’t play fantasy football — I don’t need stats,” Cohen said Monday. “We just need the wins to get our ultimate goal. That’s why I feel like it’s not necessary for me to have to get the ball this many times to get in a rhythm.”
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Fantasy football players might disagree. Depending on your league format, Cohen was considered a strong value selection anywhere between the 66th pick (PPR leagues) and 76th pick (standard scoring), per Fantasy Pros. In 12-team leagues, that translates into a selection somewhere between the sixth and eighth rounds, which means fantasy owners are counting on him to contribute in their starting lineup.
“However I can get the ball, or I’m making an impact on the game, that’s really what it’s all about — if I’m making an impact,” Cohen added.
The Bears certainly need more touches from Cohen to maximize the offense. His biggest contribution will come as a pass-catcher out of the backfield and in the slot, but Nagy has to keep defenses guessing by giving Cohen more carries, too. And remember: Cohen is the one running back on this team who can turn a two-yard gain into a field-flipping play.
Bottom line? Just get Cohen the ball.
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“I’m not really looking forward to getting like this many rushes in a row or this many passes in a row. I just need the ball in my hands.”