Chicago Bears Backfield: The Reliability Factor That Could Define Their Season
The Chicago Bears entered the 2023 season with one of the NFL’s least efficient rushing attacks. While yards before contact suggest the offensive line is providing some push, the issues aren’t solely about blocking. A surprising trend is emerging: reliability, or rather, the lack thereof with their presumed lead back, DeAndre Swift, is becoming a critical concern. This isn’t just about fantasy football implications; it’s a potential season-defining problem for a team hoping to establish a consistent offensive identity.
The Swift Paradox: Volume Doesn’t Equal Value
DeAndre Swift currently commands nearly 80% of the Bears’ running back touches, a share placing him among the league’s most heavily utilized backs. However, that volume is masking a concerning pattern. As Matt Harmon and Nate Tice of Yahoo Fantasy point out, Swift is “doing a little with a lot,” a recurring theme throughout his career. The problem isn’t necessarily a lack of talent, but a pattern of costly mistakes – specifically, fumbles – that are eroding trust with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. This creates a precarious situation where a highly-paid, established player is being shadowed by a seventh-round rookie.
The comparison to players like Saquon Barkley and Ashton Denny, who share a similar touch share, is telling. Those backs offer a level of consistency and security that Swift hasn’t demonstrated. The Bears aren’t simply evaluating running lanes; they’re evaluating who they can consistently rely on to secure the football and execute assignments.
Rookie Intrigue: Roschon Johnson and the Long Game
While Swift currently holds the lead, the door is open for Roschon Johnson and even Kyle Monangai to carve out significant roles. Johnson, despite being a seventh-round pick, is reportedly impressing coaches with his maturity and willingness to learn. Johnson is being intentionally eased into the offense, receiving reps in pass protection – a clear indication of the coaching staff’s long-term vision for him.
However, the “politics of the locker room” present a challenge. It’s difficult to bench a veteran player for a rookie, even if the rookie is outperforming him. This suggests a potential bi-weekly review process, where the coaching staff re-evaluates the workload distribution based on performance and reliability.
The Specialized Role for Roschon Johnson
Even if Johnson doesn’t overtake Swift as the primary back, he’s likely to find a valuable niche. His strengths lie in short-yardage situations and pass protection, making him a useful “super role player.” His current injury status complicates matters, but his skillset suggests he’ll be a key contributor when healthy. This highlights a growing trend in the NFL: valuing specialized backs who excel in specific areas rather than relying on a traditional three-down workhorse.
The Reliability Revolution: A League-Wide Shift
The Bears’ situation isn’t unique. Across the league, teams are increasingly prioritizing ball security and consistent execution over raw talent. The modern NFL is a game of margins, and turnovers are often the difference between winning and losing. This trend is driven by several factors, including advanced analytics that quantify the cost of turnovers and the increasing emphasis on situational football.
This shift has significant implications for player evaluation. Traditionally, scouts focused heavily on speed, agility, and power. Now, they’re placing a greater emphasis on a player’s ability to protect the football, make quick decisions, and execute assignments consistently. This could lead to a re-evaluation of draft priorities and a greater emphasis on character and football IQ.
Looking Ahead: The Bears’ Backfield and the Future of the Position
The Chicago Bears’ backfield situation is a microcosm of a larger trend in the NFL. The league is moving towards a more nuanced understanding of the running back position, valuing reliability and specialization over pure athleticism. Whether DeAndre Swift can address his ball security issues will determine his long-term future with the team. However, even if he does, the emergence of Roschon Johnson and the league-wide emphasis on reliability suggest that the days of the dominant, three-down workhorse running back are numbered.
What are your predictions for the Chicago Bears’ backfield? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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