Swift and Monangai Propel Bears’ Offensive Revival
The Chicago Bears are experiencing a remarkable turnaround in their offensive performance, thanks to the dynamic contributions of running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. The coaching staff, led by offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, has engineered a strong rushing game that is pivotal to their success this season.
Swift and Monangai: A Powerful Duo
Since Johnson’s arrival, Swift has emerged as a standout player. Currently ranked 13th in the league, he has amassed 993 rushing yards, needing just 57 yards to reach a career high. His performance has improved significantly since last season, where he averaged 3.8 yards per carry. This year, he is now averaging an impressive 4.9 yards per carry.
On the other hand, rookie Kyle Monangai, selected 233rd overall in the seventh round from Rutgers, has made a significant impact as well. He has borne a solid share of the workload, carrying the ball 155 times, while showcasing his skills with 731 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Monangai’s blend of consistency and a straightforward running style has caught the attention of the coaching staff.
Coaching Influence
Ben Johnson’s coaching philosophy emphasizes precision and a strong work ethic. Under the guidance of Johnson and running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, both Swift and Monangai have honed their skills. Bieniemy, known for demanding excellence, ensures that players maintain a strict approach to running. This strong coaching dynamic is reflected in their performance on the field.
Revamped Offensive Line
The Bears have bolstered their offensive line with key additions, namely left guard Joe Thuney, center Drew Dalman, and right guard Jonah Jackson. These reinforcements have greatly aided in establishing a solid ground game. As a result, the Bears rank second in the NFL with an average of 152.1 rushing yards per game, only trailing the Buffalo Bills.
- Swift: 993 rushing yards, 4.9 yards per carry
- Monangai: 731 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns
- Bears: 152.1 rushing yards per game
Impact on Game Strategy
The Bears’ productive rushing attack has transformed their offensive strategy. They now average 4.9 yards per carry on first downs, a notable increase from 3.6 yards per carry in the previous season. This improvement allows for more versatile play-calling on second and third downs.
Additionally, the team has integrated a significant number of play-action plays, averaging 11 per game, more than doubling last year’s figures. Quarterback Caleb Williams has benefited greatly from this tactic. A standout moment for him was a 46-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore, made possible by the effective running of both Swift and Monangai, which distracted the Packers’ defense.
Playoff Aspirations
A potent rushing attack is not just crucial for regular-season success but will also be vital as the Bears head into playoff contention. The combination of Swift and Monangai, along with the team’s strategic offensive changes, has created a promising outlook for the remainder of the season.
