There’s no question the Chicago Bears struggled to move the ball on the ground last year. The reasoning was a combination of scheme, health, and talent within the offense. Luckily for D’Andre Swift, the Bears upgraded their offensive line, and he will most certainly reap the benefits.
Can This Bears Running Back Benefit From Upgraded O-Line?
Everyone is aware of the Bears’ significant additions to their offensive line and how protecting quarterback Caleb Williams should be the top priority in building a contending team. However, some people are forgetting that the offensive line upgrades will positively impact Chicago’s ability to run the football as well.
A forgotten beneficiary of the revamped line will be D’Andre Swift. Swift had a mediocre 2024 campaign but still amassed 1,345 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on the year. He was able to do this behind an offensive line that saw seven different combinations and four of the five predicted starters during training camp either injured or cut by the end of the year.
With the new interior of Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson, Swift will have a much easier time running between the tackles. He will also likely see more involvement in the receiving game.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Joe Thuney (62) blocks for quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Joe Thuney
Thuney was PPF’s 12th overall ranked guard in 2024. He allowed zero sacks and only committed one penalty all year. That talent and discipline will be incredibly important in Ben Johnson’s offense.
Even with those stellar numbers, Thuney made a switch from left guard to left tackle due to the Kansas City Chiefs‘ inconsistent play at that position. He was still above average, but going back to his natural position at guard will allow him to be a force up the middle for Chicago in 2025.
Thuney has some familiarity with smaller backs running behind him. He played with James White and Sony Michel with the Patriots and with Kareem Hunt in Kansas City. Those few guys have similar builds and running styles to Swift which Thuney can use to his advantage.
Drew Dalman
Dalman has spent his career with the Atlanta Falcons and made a strong case to be the best offensive lineman on the market once free agency hit. He was ranked as the fifth-best run-blocking center and the fourth-best center overall according to PFF.
In Atlanta, Dalman missed nearly half the year due to injury but made his presence known when he was on the field. Falcons running back Bijan Robinson had a breakout sophomore season behind Dalman. Robinson gained nearly 1,900 scrimmage yards and 15 total touchdowns last year.
If Swift wants to have even a fraction of the success Robinson had last year, he should run behind Dalman as much as possible.
Jonah Jackson
Jackson may have missed a majority of the 2024 season due to injury, but he will still provide good experience on an offensive line that didn’t play well the last few years.
Back in 2022, Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams ran for over 1,000 yards and scored 17 touchdowns on the ground. Jackson was a big reason why as he played 13 of the 17 games that year.
Jackson also has experience in Johnson’s offense as he spent 2021-2023 in Detroit while Johnson was calling plays.
His durability may be in question, but hopefully, a change of scenery will be good for him.
Swift’s Benefits
There were 17 running backs in the NFL last year with at least 210 carries. Swift was the only one who didn’t average 4.0 yards per carry or better. Given the improvements to the trenches, we should expect Swift to improve on his 3.8 yards per carry number from last year.
The combination of Coach Johnson’s scheme and offensive line upgrades should work in Swift’s favor on the ground and through the air. He was only 41 yards short of breaking 1,000 rushing yards for the second time in his career, and that was in a broken offense.
Swift may not be a superstar in the making, but he will play a key role in the Bears’ offense in 2025.
Main Photo: [Eric Hartline] – USA Today Sports