D’Andre Swift, the lead running back for the Chicago Bears, faces the challenge of revitalizing the team’s struggling run game as they prepare to take on the Las Vegas Raiders. Swift expressed a sense of urgency following the Bears’ last performance, suggesting that the team left opportunities on the field. After early-season struggles that echoed his first few months in Chicago, Swift knows what he needs to do to be more consistent and put it all together.
In fact, in a recent podcast interview, Swift highlighted the critical relationship between running backs and the O-line. He mentioned how it normally takes about “three or four” games for new players to really mesh and develop that chemistry. This optimism rings true as the Bears work through their early-season pains, Swift’s latest numbers showing that things can play out better than expected. He’s averaged 42 rushes per game, gaining 149 yards and one touchdown over a three-game period. His success rate is only 35.7%, which has him ranked 33rd among 38 qualified running backs in carries (20).
It’s a brilliant performance that’s at once piercing and transfixing. It replicates his rough beginning on the same time when he joined the Chicago for the 2024 season. This is a big season for the former No. He didn’t find the end zone until Week 4 last year. In that match, he rushed for 93 yards and a touchdown as well as catching seven passes for 72 yards. This (sadly abbreviated) season, he hasn’t been able to churn out much yardage. His average rushing yards after contact is at a lowly 1.76 (23rd in the league), while his rushing yards before contact is 1.79 (29th).
In that same game, Swift’s last against the Bears, he saw only seven carries. The staff just as swiftly turned away from the run as the complexion of the game changed. Though disappointed by these misfortunes, he and his teammates are still committed to advancing. In case you missed it, earlier this week, Swift and the offense broke down all 29 run plays from their matchup against Dallas. From there, they collaborated to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
“[The tape] kind of pointed out that it’s small stuff, little stuff. We’re close.” – D’Andre Swift
The Chicago Bears are already preparing for the upcoming battle against the Oakland Raiders. Swift is now poised to assert himself and become more influential in the offense like he should. What stands out the most is his commitment to expanding his skill set. This means passing and run blocking communication, which are absolutely essential to prospering.
“Just trying to get everything on track, from pass blocking, the run blocking and the combos, communication up front.” – D’Andre Swift
Declan Doyle, the Bears’ offensive coordinator, acknowledged that there are improvements to be made and emphasized that it is not solely on one player to change the team’s fate.
“You can’t really put that on one guy.” – Doyle
Doyle noted that improving perimeter performance is just as important. He pointed out that evaluating game tape alongside a runner provides insights into potential adjustments that could capitalize on defensive weaknesses.
“That’s us being better on the perimeter as well. We gotta do a better job out there. But when you’re evaluating the tape and you’re watching it with a runner, what’s your read? What did you see? Where does that ball need to go? And then maybe we find a different cavity in that defense that we’re able to capitalize on that a little more. And I think that’s an evolving thing.” – Doyle
The Bears come into this week hoping to write a new chapter of their story. Swift’s success is pivotal not just for personal achievement but for the overall effectiveness of the team’s offensive strategy. As the Eagles prepare for their matchup with the Raiders, Swift is still optimistic about having a big impact.
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