It’s Time for the Bears to Move on From ‘Underwhelming’ Starter
For the Chicago Bears to want to get out of their losing ways, there has to be an honest look at the roster.
For a team that supposedly “won” the offseason, there are an awful lot of glaring holes that need to be addressed.
But there’s one player in particular who has been given ample opportunities and has failed to deliver: running back D’Andre Swift.
Why the Bears Need to Move on From D’Andre Swift
According to Pro Football Focus, Swift has posted an overall grade of just 52.8, ranking 46th out of 47th-qualified running backs. His rushing grade is even worse, sitting at 49.3, dead last among the same group.
For a player who was brought in to be the focal point of Chicago’s ground attack, these numbers are unacceptable.
What makes matters even more concerning is that the Bears’ offensive line has been running back-friendly. Chicago currently ranks first in the NFL in yards before contact per RB run (1.89), with explosive gains of 20+ yards removed from the equation. In other words, the line is doing its job for the backfield.
Yet, Swift has the lowest rushing success rate in the NFL at just 25%, meaning he is failing to keep the offense on schedule even with favorable blocking.
At this point, the Bears need to consider moving on from Swift, at least as their feature back. Whether that means trading him or moving toward a running back by committee approach, depending mostly on Swift isn’t working.
And quite frankly, he’s been underwhelming to say the least.
A Committee Approach Makes the Most Sense
Swift has always been known as an elusive back who thrives in the open field, but his tendency to bounce runs to the outside and inability to shed tackles is a liability.
The Bears have two other options in their backfield who can help balance things out: seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai and third-year back Roschon Johnson. Both bring a different style of running that could complement one another while taking advantage of the Bears’ RB-friendly offense.
When asked about the lack of run plays called for Monangai, Ben Johnson admits he needs to start using different guys in the backfield.
“I need to call more runs. …I need to call more so that we can get him [Kyle Monangai] in the game a little bit more,” Johnson said. “That’s something [running backs coach Eric Bieniemy] and I have talked about, making sure he has more carries going forward.”
By shifting to a committee approach, the Bears could better maximize their backfield talent. Swift could still have a role as a change-of-pace option, using his agility on designed plays that get him into space, while Monangai and Johnson handle the bulk of the between-the-tackles workload.
Either way, the Bears need to start switching things up. The Swift experiment has run its course, and it’s time for a change.
Browns' Rookie Quinshon Judkins Set to Make Impact in Week 2 After Off-Field Drama
The Cleveland Browns offense was missing a cylinder on offense in their 17-16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. The Browns are set to receive a boost from rookie running back Quinshon Judkins to help their running game, which rushed for just 49 yards in the loss.
Per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Judkins returned to Thursday's practice as a full participant and is expected to have a role against the Ravens if the league doesn't suspend him.
"Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins returned to practice as a full participant on Thursday, and looked a lot like a player who’s ready to make his NFL Sunday in Baltimore," Cabot wrote. "If the NFL doesn’t suspend Judkins between now and the game, it looks like the Browns will try to get him on the field for at least a package of plays."
Judkins was arrested in July for an alleged domestic incident. In August, prosecutors chose not to formally charge the second-round pick out of Ohio State. The NFL spoke with Judkins about the matter this week and is weighing the option of suspending the rookie due to rules regarding the league's personal conduct policy.
The Cleveland Browns offense could use a boost at RB
The Browns struggled to run the ball against the Bengals. Dylan Sampson was the lead back with 29 yards on 12 carries. Jerome Ford recorded the second-most rushing yards with eight yards on six carries.
The No. 36 pick in April's draft was a big miss for the Browns in Week 1. Offensive coordinator Tommy Reese told the media on Thursday that the team will "monitor" how much Judkins can contribute in his debut.
“We’ve got to see how he progresses, right?” Rees said. “There’s the physical part of it, there’s the player’s health part of it, there’s the mental part of it. There are so many different aspects when you’re looking to prepare a guy."
Judkins appears to have the physical part ready, but he'll be challenged mentally before Week 2.
