Perhaps the most shocking thing about the Chicago Bears offense over the first two weeks is how bad their running game has been. While Justin Fields was a big part of it during the past two seasons, running backs still found plenty of holes to run through during that time. Yet so far in 2024, D’Andre Swift and Khalil Herbert have done nothing to alleviate the burden on quarterback Caleb Williams. Blame for this is primarily split between the blocking up front and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s inability to scheme up more lanes.
In truth, neither Swift nor Herbert seems like a good fit for the Bears’ plans. It was warned that Waldron liked running a lot of inside-zone on the ground, which is basically running between the tackles. For that, you need interior blocking to generate movement and a back that can run with power and contact balance. The Bears have somebody like that. Unfortunately, they refuse to play him.
Roschon Johnson is a terrific downhill runner. What he lacks in pure speed, he makes up in strength, toughness, and vision. The Bears were 3-1 last year when he got seven or more carries in a game. What makes his benching so odd is he resembles a player Waldron used extensively in Seattle.
The Chicago Bears have to adjust their mentality.
They want to be an offense predicated on speed and explosiveness. That is a good thing. Big plays are what drive successful teams. Unfortunately, their blocking isn’t consistent enough to make that work. In cases like this, the smart thing to do is go a little more old school. Having the offensive line push forward and put a power back behind them to grind out yards. Wear the defense down and try staying ahead of the chains. As the game goes on and the opponent gets tired, that is when you unleash the speed threat like Swift.
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Johnson isn’t Walter Payton or Matt Forte. He doesn’t have their speed. He is closer to Anthony Thomas. The guy may not be the most elegant runner, but he fights for every yard. That is what the Chicago Bears need right now. Easing the pressure on Williams demands simple solutions. Running the ball is the simplest you can get. If Swift and Herbert can’t get it down, then it’s time to go with somebody else.
Try 2 WRs and 2 TEs with Roschon in the backfield to run, block, or catch a swing or shuttle pass. And see what works. Just give him some touches throughout a half or the whole game. If he is in a zone, then work him.
It’s not that Roschon Johnson can singlehandedly resuscitate the running game. Far from it. What he can do well is block on passing downs, and if he doesn’t have any work swing out into the flat for a moderate gain. No other back on the Bears does all of those things well.
They need to solve some of the interior blocking issues. They can’t address both guards and the center, but at least start with the right guard.
@Sam It’s just my fave soul duet syndrome: “Sam and Dave”–Soul Man, Hold on I’m Coming, I Thank You, Wrap it Up…That’s what I have music-wise for living in south Chicago and central Detroit. (Then again, my best friend was a Dave and my grandfather was Samuel, an uncle Sam, and a cousin Sammy.)
You can use a variety of RBs and styles throughout a game(s). And the Bears possess 4-5 good to decent ones. Use them! Don’t forget Velus in a pinch for a breakaway run. If he fumbles as a RB, then bench him. Do you really need a FB? If so, then prove it.