Something isn’t working with the Chicago Bears offense. While pass protection is often referenced in these conversations, the reality is somewhat different. The Bears can’t run. They have the 30th-ranked rushing attack in the league. This is not something the organization is used to, and many in and around Halas Hall are wondering what is happening. Part of it is blocking. It hasn’t been as effective as it was last season. However, there is also a harsher truth the team must confront.
D’Andre Swift isn’t good.
The big free agent acquisition from March has been nothing short of a disaster to start the season. He has 37 carries for 68 yards across three games, averaging a horrendous 1.8 yards per attempt. Keep in mind this is the same guy who went over 1,000 yards last season. His vision has been horrible, and he just can’t create anything for himself without good blocking. That might explain why Jeremy Fowler of ESPN revealed that the Bears are planning a lineup change moving forward.
“Watch for Bears running back Roschon Johnson to possibly get an extended look this week. Chicago has struggled mightily to run the ball and turned to Johnson, more of a bruiser, for eight carries in Week 3 vs. the Colts. The Bears need to get downhill faster.”
Shifting to Johnson is the only option for the Chicago Bears.
He has been, by far, their most reliable running back, rushing for 30 yards on eight carries and catching four passes for 32 yards. It isn’t fancy, but it’s better than anything the Bears have gotten from the other options. Johnson is the type of back who doesn’t need pristine blocking. He has enough power, contact balance, and vision to make something positive from every run. True, he doesn’t have the explosiveness teams might prefer. A lot of times, that doesn’t matter. It is getting the job done.
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Shifting to him is necessary. One could argue the Chicago Bears should’ve done it far sooner. It wasn’t taking long to realize Swift and even Khalil Herbert couldn’t find any traction. Yet Johnson remained on the sideline. Shane Waldron wouldn’t even give him an opportunity. It appears he has no other choice now, which isn’t a great look. Coaches are supposed to have a good grasp of their personnel strengths and weaknesses. Regardless, this change is long overdue.
In the meantime, Saquon Barkley was available at the time Ryan Poles signed DeAndre Swift to big money. It seems Ryan Poles is against signing guys with notoriety, he seems to prefer lesser known guys, this trait has already backfired on him, look no further than the offensive line. At this point, I think Kevin Warren has to be objective and look at everyone from Ryan Poles on down, many fans will be ready to tar and feather me, but someone has to say it. Ryan Poles has made many mistakes that i think outweigh his hits, just look at… Read more »
@Dr. Melhus —
D’Andre Swift is not a bum — but watch the “Hard Knocks” season featuring the Detroit Lions and you’ll get more information on the player (if not the man).
I would have had no problem with a 1-year contract — but 3 years, for $24 MM!
Really?!
That reveals how impetuous GM Ryan Poles actually is. And that is something that Kevin Warren must see more clearly than I do.
At least, I hope so.
@Dr. Melhus — I remember Roschon Johnson before the concussion. That Roschon was “Isaiah Pacheco Jr.” without the 4.3 speed (unfortunately). I hope this young player succeeds but Khalil Herbert remains the best RB on the team — and D’Andre Swift is the highest-paid. Playing Swift (a second-tier NFL back) is certainly playing “his guys” despite DSwift’s significant “contributions” to a losing record; while Herbert (a “Pace guy” with a mere 8 carries, and 1 TD) sits. Herbert will be gone next year — and Swift. . .well, you tell me. Caleb Williams will end up saving Ryan Poles’ career… Read more »
What I had read here, Roschon fell into Poles’ big lap and a scout(s) pounded the table for him. His selection was a no-brainer. I recall I wanted the Bears to select his teammate, RB/HB Bijan Robinson at #8/9. I might have even considered selecting RB/FB Roschon Johnson in the 3rd Round.
@TGena: When Swift was with the Lions, I thought he was a solid back. Not Barry Sanders, but he made several good plays. Last year, with the Eagles, he rushed for over 1000 yards, and living in Philly (Bears still #1 NFL team, of course), I saw a lot of him – he was a very good back for them. The only reason the Eagles let him walk is because they picked up Barkley from their rival NY Giants. If that hadn’t happened, he probably would still be wearing green and white this season. I think the Lions move from… Read more »