For the Chicago Bears to want to get out of their losing ways, there has to be an honest look at the roster.
For a team that supposedly “won” the offseason, there are an awful lot of glaring holes that need to be addressed.
But there’s one player in particular who has been given ample opportunities and has failed to deliver: running back D’Andre Swift.
Why the Bears Need to Move on From D’Andre Swift
GettyChicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift #4.
According to Pro Football Focus, Swift has posted an overall grade of just 52.8, ranking 46th out of 47th-qualified running backs. His rushing grade is even worse, sitting at 49.3, dead last among the same group.
For a player who was brought in to be the focal point of Chicago’s ground attack, these numbers are unacceptable.
What makes matters even more concerning is that the Bears‘ offensive line has been running back-friendly. Chicago currently ranks first in the NFL in yards before contact per RB run (1.89), with explosive gains of 20+ yards removed from the equation. In other words, the line is doing its job for the backfield.
Yet, Swift has the lowest rushing success rate in the NFL at just 25%, meaning he is failing to keep the offense on schedule even with favorable blocking.
At this point, the Bears need to consider moving on from Swift, at least as their feature back. Whether that means trading him or moving toward a running back by committee approach, depending mostly on Swift isn’t working.
And quite frankly, he’s been underwhelming to say the least.
Gets a big explosive run here, but if he manipulates the safety to the left into that gap, then shoots the open gap (where the scheme is designed to go) probably a touchdown
A Committee Approach Makes the Most Sense
GettyChicago Bears seventh-round pick, rookie running back Kyle Monangai #25.
Swift has always been known as an elusive back who thrives in the open field, but his tendency to bounce runs to the outside and inability to shed tackles is a liability.
The Bears have two other options in their backfield who can help balance things out: seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai and third-year back Roschon Johnson. Both bring a different style of running that could complement one another while taking advantage of the Bears‘ RB-friendly offense.
When asked about the lack of run plays called for Monangai, Ben Johnson admits he needs to start using different guys in the backfield.
“I need to call more runs. …I need to call more so that we can get him [Kyle Monangai] in the game a little bit more,” Johnson said. “That’s something [running backs coach Eric Bieniemy] and I have talked about, making sure he has more carries going forward.”
By shifting to a committee approach, the Bears could better maximize their backfield talent. Swift could still have a role as a change-of-pace option, using his agility on designed plays that get him into space, while Monangai and Johnson handle the bulk of the between-the-tackles workload.
Either way, the Bears need to start switching things up. The Swift experiment has run its course, and it’s time for a change.
It’s Time for the Bears to Move on From ‘Underwhelming’ Starter