Ben Johnson and D’Andre Swift have a history that dates back to their time together with the Detroit Lions. But because the Lions shipped Swift out of town before the final year of his rookie deal (which happened in the same offseason where the team signed David Montgomery and drafted Jahmyr Gibbs), there have been questions about the running back’s fit in Chicago now that Johnson is the head coach.
So, while I think a lot can change between now and September’s Week 1 kickoff, I also feel as if D’Andre Swift will get a shot at being the team’s featured back this season.
This is what new Chicago Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson had to say about D’Andre Swift when chopping it up with the media at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis:
“He’s an explosive athlete. There’s a number of things that he can do both in the running game and in the passing game. I do think he can help ignite an offense because he’s got that playmaking ability, so it’ll be fun to start to work together again here this springtime with him.”
MORE: Watch Ben Johnson’s NFL Scouting Combine Press Conference Here
The moments when Bears fans saw D’Andre Swift’s playmaking ability were too few and far between in 2024. Swift snagged 295 touches and gained 1,345 scrimmage yards — both career highs. However, Swift scored just six touchdowns and yielded goal-line duties to Roschon Johnson in the middle of the season. Swift was among the offensive players in Chicago who weren’t put in a position to be their best. But with that being said, I am not convinced he made the most of the few opportunities he had. Hence, we have a situation where the Bears could either move off of Swift or diminish his role.
© Daniel Bartel-Imagn ImagesNew Bears head coach still believes in D’Andre Swift’s potential
The good news for D’Andre Swift is that he will enter the 2025 season with (1) a clean slate and (2) a head coach who is an offensive play-caller who showed a knack for getting the most out of the players in his backfield. As a bonus, Swift will also be working with a coach who has known him for a while. Sometimes, familiarity can be helpful.
When Ben Johnson was D’Andre Swift’s offensive coordinator in 2022, the running back was limited to eight games and 147 total touches. But Swift made the most of his offensive snaps as he averaged 5.5 yards per rushing attempt, caught 48 passes, averaged 8.1 yards per reception, and scored eight total touchdowns. It felt as if Swift was underutilized in the passing game last year. Perhaps a change in coaching philosophy will help boost Swift’s stock.
CHICAGO BEARS 2024 EXIT INTERVIEWS: D’ANDRE SWIFT
And yet, I would advise Bears fans not to put it in pen that D’Andre Swift will be the team’s load-carrying back. General Manager Ryan Poles hinted that changes could come to the running back room this offseason.
“We’re going to take a look at what’s available to us,” Poles said via 670 The Score. “I really believe it lines up with the additions we’re going to have over these next two player acquisition periods of free agency and the draft; we’ll be in a position to have a strong run game, to stay balanced, which in turn helps the quarterback out.”
Caleb Williams (18) hands the ball to D’Andre Swift (4) against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn ImagesTo Poles’ point, the NFL Draft and free agency periods appear to be loaded with intriguing running back options. For instance, Boise State standout Ashton Jeanty is set to meet with the Bears this week at the Combine in Indianapolis. The team has also been connected as a good fit for free agents such as Aaron Jones and Javonte Williams. You don’t have to squint to see a scenario in which Chicago’s front office adds a fresh face to the Bears’ backfield.
Even still … it feels like D’Andre Swift will get another crack at being a main contributor. And because I love a good comeback story, I’ll be watching this with great interest.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Ben Johnson Still Has High Hopes For D’Andre Swift )
Also on site :
- Knicks erase 20-point deficit with furious rally to stun Celtics in Game 1
- FC Barcelona vs Inter Milan Predictions lineups and free online live stream for Champions League Semifinal
- Islanders win NHL draft lottery, claim No. 1 pick