Bears RB coach Eric Bieniemy set clear expectations for RB D'Andre Swift going into his second season in Chicago
The Chicago Bears have made it known that addressing the backfield is going to be another offseason priority heading into the first season under Ben Johnson.In 2024, the Bears backfield was largely dominated by D'Andre Swift as far as touches go, without much help behind him to help carry the workload.Production-wise, Swift put together a […]
The Chicago Bears have made it known that addressing the backfield is going to be another offseason priority heading into the first season under Ben Johnson.
In 2024, the Bears backfield was largely dominated by D'Andre Swift as far as touches go, without much help behind him to help carry the workload.
Production-wise, Swift put together a modest first season in Chicago totaling 1,345 scrimmage yards and six total touchdowns but struggled to find that production on a consistent basis.
After investing so heavily into him last offseason, Swift isn't going anywhere, but it's clear another back will be added to the room, likely via the 2025 NFL Draft.
Regardless of what additions are made, the Bears need to better utilize Swift to his abilities. Johnson's scheme and the improved offensive line will certainly help in that regard, but the team will need to hold him more accountable as well.
Which is why the Bears went out to add a highly respected and accomplished running back coach to Ben Johnson's staff in Eric Bieniemy. Bieniemy has worked with some top running backs throughout his coaching career and always seems to bring the best out of his players by tailoring to their strengths.
When it comes to Swift, his strengths involve his game-changing speed and dynamic ability to be a threat out of the backfield. To get that part of his game back, Bieniemy is already setting some clear expectations.
“Now, more than anything, we gotta make sure that he understands that he can find 4 and a half [yards] between the tackles but also hit the home run when he needs to," Bieniemy said via Chicago Bears on YouTube.
Running inside was one of the main struggles Swift faced last season. Outside, he was able to break through space and create big plays, but inside he struggled to find holes due to his visions and the blocking itself.
According to Sports Info Solutions, Swift rushed for 382 yards inside the tackles, the 14th-most among running backs and averaged 3.67 yards per carry inside the tackles.
As for the homerun ability, 18 of Swift's 253 carries when for 10+ yards, which ranked T-26th among all running backs. So it's easy to see why Bieniemy wants him to improve in those two areas next season.
Working with Johnson again will help in a massive way. Swift played inside Johnson's scheme in 2022. That season, 13 of Swift's 99 carries went for 10+ yards while mainly playing behind Jamaal Williams in the rotation.
"I think very highly of him. He’s an explosive athlete. There’s a number of things that he can do both in the running game and the passing game," Johnson explained at the Combine. "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."
Even if the Bears bring in another top back to the offense in the draft, the offense will still be utilizing Swift's abilities as well. Getting him back on track will be key for the success of the entire offense. And the new staff believes they can accomplish that.
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He could be a real game-changer.
