One member of the Green Bay Packers that saw his season cut short due to injury was, third-year running back, Ty Montgomery. During his three year career, Montgomery has spent much of his time rehabbing from injuries and working hard just to get back on the field. Heading into his all-important fourth season in the league, Montgomery knows that because of injuries, his career with the Packers and in the NFL, for that matter hangs in the balance.

It is essential that he stay healthy and maximize his on the field production. The good news for Ty Montgomery is that when healthy he provides the Packers with a very versatile skill set that can make him a difference maker on both offense and special teams which makes him vital to the Packers success.

Ty Montgomery is a high character individual who can really make an impact in the effort of changing the somewhat dysfunctional culture that we all witnessed inside of the Packers organization last season. He is a team first player that does all of the intangible things well and possesses a very high football I.Q. With the emergence of Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones this season, it is safe to say that Montgomery has lost his starting running back job moving forward, but, by no means, does that mean should we count him out.

Ways Ty Montgomery Will Continue to Make an Impact for The Green Bay Packers:

1. A change of pace running back:

Ty still can be used as a change of pace runner throughout the game in various different formations. His field vision, patient running style, and ball security will allow the Packers to use him in third-down situations or other specifically designed plays that will keep opposing defenses on their toes.

2. A dual threat in the screen game:

Montgomery will provide yet another option in the screen game by giving Aaron Rodgers another reliable target that can properly execute a screenplay from both the running back and wide receiver positions. In limited action this season, Montgomery still managed to catch 23 passes for 173 yards, 1 touchdown and averaged a productive, 7.5 yards per catch, primarily out of the backfield.

3. A versatile option at wide receiver:

Montgomery has already proven to be a reliable target to Aaron Rodgers in the passing game as a wide receiver. In 2016, Montgomery caught 44 balls for 348 yards averaging 7.9 yards per catch, which further displayed his value as a possession receiver. He can be utilized at the both inside and outside positions and can provide value in the slant game, sideline possession routes, and intermediate crossing patterns.

4. A versatile option in the special teams game:

The Packers can utilize Ty Montgomery’s football intelligence in the punt return game, kick return game, kick off coverage game, and punt coverage game on special teams. In the return games, Montgomery will be a more consistent force making better decisions about when to return the ball and when to let it go/take a knee, while still possessing adequate speed and vision to use his blockers and burst through holes in order to accumulate valuable return yards.

I believe that Ty’s versatility can further be utilized in both return coverages as well. He possesses both the speed, athleticism, and mentality to be a successful gunner, and get down the field to make quick tackles and pin the ball deep in the opponents territory.

Final Thought:

By fully maximizing Ty Montgomery’s versatility, the Packers could have a Matthew Slater like player on their hands for the 2018 season. By developing and drafting more players with versatility, the Packers will be able to sure up the intangible fundamentals in all three phases of the game that can prove to be the difference between winning and losing on a week to week basis. By improving the team’s fundamental intangibles with versatile players, the Packers will ensure that the team as a whole is more consistent and reliable in their week to week performances.

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David Michalski is a recent college graduate from Princeton New Jersey who has been a life long Green Bay Packers fan. Like the great Vince Lombardi, he values God, family, and the Green Bay Packers in that order. You can follow him on twitter at @kilbas27dave

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