The Chicago Bears never really had a chance on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. That was mostly because quarterback Tyson Bagent looked overwhelmed. He missed several open receivers all game long and threw the ball into way too many crowded situations. Two brutal interceptions only exacerbated the issues. However, anybody who knows head coach Ben Johnson will quickly point to the team’s inability to run the ball effectively. Just 81 yards on 24 carries is unacceptable.
The alarming part is that it wasn’t about the blocking. That would be one thing. This has more to do with the status of their running back position. Kyle Monangai missed the game with a turf toe injury. It isn’t known when he will return. That type of ailment can take a long time to heal. D’Andre Swift did play in the game, but he only received 9 carries. Those who watched felt something was off. It appears Swift isn’t 100% healthy, leaving the status of the position very much in doubt.
Ben Johnson won’t let that situation linger.
Running the ball is the identity of this offense. Everything that makes his system so great is built through that. If Swift and Monangai are dealing with persistent injury problems, it leaves the Bears in a serious bind. What does Johnson do? He can try to make things work with the reserves he has available. Roschon Johnson, Brittain Brown, Zavier Scott, and Salvon Ahmed are all options. The problem is that none of them is overly proven. There is a reason they’re backups. Expecting them to step up is a long shot.
That leads to the forbidden question. Would Ben Johnson dare seek a solution on the trade market? It sounds like an overreaction at first. At the same time, the importance of running the ball for this team may necessitate a more aggressive approach. While there are no big-name players likely to be available this year, there’s at least one who could be an immediate help. That is Tony Pollard. The 29-year-old has four straight 1,000-yard seasons and is on track for another despite playing for a 0-5 Tennessee Titans team. He’s in the last year of his contract, so it shouldn’t be too expensive to acquire him.
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Pollard would love this offense.
He’s made his name in outside-zone rushing schemes, which allows him to use his speed and vision to maximum effect. There is no doubt he would take advantage of the many lanes Johnson’s system would create for him. He would certainly be motivated to join a team that is actually in the thick of the playoff hunt. The contract wouldn’t be much of an issue as he’s owed around $4 million. The Bears have enough cap space. All that stands in the way of such a deal is the trade cost.
Considering his age and the position he plays, there is no way Pollard costs more than a 6th round pick. Chicago can pay that without batting an eye. He would be an immediate boost to the most important part of their offense and give Caleb Williams another weapon in the passing game. It would ease the burden on Swift and Monangai, allowing them to get healthy. Depending on what happens Sunday in Atlanta, this could be a move Johnson pushes for.
