The Chicago Bears had multiple opportunities to boost their running game this offseason. They felt like the draft was their best bet, but they waited until the 7th round to grab one. That meant D’Andre Swift would have another year as the starter this season. Fans weren’t happy. The veteran averaged just 3.8 yards per carry, demonstrating a general lack of vision. Still, some gave him a pass because the blocking wasn’t always helpful. Maybe a new offense under Ben Johnson might change that.
According to new data, it should’ve. Advanced metrics indicate the Bears rank among the NFL’s best teams at generating YBC (yards before contact) at 1.89. That means a running back is getting almost two free yards without being touched. Yet Swift has averaged less than 60 yards rushing over his first two games. The Bears have the best YBC but the worst run success rate in the NFL. There is only one way that happens. It means the running back is failing to take advantage of his opportunities.
D’Andre Swift is a primary factor in why the Bears can’t run.
Nobody argues about his talent. The running back is an elite athlete who can do lots of exciting things. Unfortunately, he has too many throwaway plays to go along with his big ones. If he’s not churning out a 12-yard run or a 20-yard catch, he’s mostly giving you two or three-yard runs characterized by his inability to hit the right hole or break a tackle. This is precisely why fans begged the team to be more serious about finding a replacement. GM Ryan Poles deserves plenty of criticism for not making a more concerted effort. Now the Bears will have to find ways to fix the issue. Maybe they will give Kyle Monangai and Roschon Johnson more opportunities. Maybe they look to bring in a veteran from elsewhere. Either way, such inefficiency can’t continue if this offense is going to continue.
