In his soft-spoken but businesslike manner, D’Andre Swift offered four words Tuesday afternoon regarding his outlook for the 2025 season:
“Excited about this year.”
Swift shared that sentiment after the first of three Chicago Bears minicamp practices at Halas Hall and at the end of a response to a question regarding his reflections on 2024. While the veteran running back’s voice barely elevated above a public library level and his mannerisms remained reserved, the sincerity of his enthusiasm still landed.
So what is it exactly that has Swift feeling such excitement as the Bears attempt their latest reboot under coach Ben Johnson?
“Everything,” Swift said. “Everything. It’s another opportunity, first and foremost. With everybody new on the coaching staff, the culture has changed. You can tell Ben has done a hell of a job so far. Day in and day out, everything he’s doing is for the (betterment) of this organization and this city.”
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Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift heads to the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
The juice from Johnson’s January arrival has yet to evaporate as he pushes to make the Bears competitive again with a much more entertaining and explosive brand of offense. Central to that mission, of course, is Johnson’s work in unlocking the full potential of second-year quarterback Caleb Williams.
But in order to bring the best out of Williams, Johnson understands the Bears first must establish a consistently productive, reliable running game. And on that front, Swift’s improvement efforts are critical on the runway toward the season.
Swift’s first season in Chicago wasn’t exactly storybook. While he totaled 1,345 yards from scrimmage and had three scoring runs of at least 35 yards, his 3.8 yards per carry marked the lowest average of his five-year career. The Bears finished in the bottom 10 in the league in rushing offense (25th), yards per rush (27th) and scoring (28th) and lost 10 consecutive games between Oct. 27 and Dec. 26.
Painting the full picture of those struggles requires some focus on the instability of the offensive line, the flaws within the offensive system and playbook and the failures that led to offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s Week 11 firing. But Swift had his own issues, one of which was a tendency to hunt the big play when there was none to be found.
Earlier this spring, Johnson talked openly about pushing Swift to combine his sharp vision with shrewd discipline.
“The negative plays are one area we’ve talked to him about,” Johnson said, “where it’s: ‘Hey, let’s limit those a little bit in terms of where we were a year ago. Don’t necessarily look for the home run every time. And have some more dirty plays where we’re getting the 2s, the 3s, the 4s (yards) and staying on track on offense.”
In addition, there has been heavy emphasis on the tracks within the running game. Johnson and his coaches want Swift to commit to each run’s design as much as possible.
“The little stuff is big,” Swift said Tuesday. “Details, tracks. How Ben wants it has to be to a T. That’s the stuff we’re working on. And not just running backs, but the (whole) offense. All the things I hear him saying in meetings, it’s little stuff. But those are big things in this offense.”
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Bears running back D'Andre Swift answers questions during a news conference after practice at Halas Hall on June 3 in Lake Forest, Ill. Eileen T. Meslar, Chicago Tribune/TNS
At this stage of the offseason program, Swift understands exactly what Johnson and running backs coach Eric Bieniemy are preaching.
“Just homing in on the tracks, the ballhandling and being intentional when you go out there to practice,” he said. “Go out there with a mindset of focusing on (details). If you were a little bit wide the day before, focus on being tighter. Little things like that. You’re always trying to get better at something.”
Swift and Johnson have reunited at Halas Hall after spending the 2020 through 2022 seasons together with the Detroit Lions. Johnson was the Lions play caller in 2022, when Swift averaged 5.5 yards per carry and totaled 931 yards from scrimmage in a No. 2 role behind Jamaal Williams.
On Tuesday, Johnson offered an endorsement of Swift’s passion.
“He is a fierce competitor,” Johnson said. “And that’s what I love about him. When the lights are bright, you’re going to know exactly what you’re going to get. If you tell him that you’re going to need 1 yard, 4 yards, he’s going to find a way to put his shoulder down and move the pile and get that done.”
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Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift celebrates his touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams last season in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Swift reciprocated a few minutes later with praise of Johnson’s football intellect, energy level and detail-oriented nature.
“If something’s not right, there’s a whistle and we start over,” Swift said. “Nothing is getting blown by the wayside. It’s good to have that early on. Everybody buys into what Ben and all the coaches are trying to get us to do. They’re very fair. And we’re trying to do something very special.”
To get there, the Bears must sustain their heightened focus on all the little things. And Swift must become a catalyst to the running game, moving past a disappointing 2024.
“I’m self-motivated,” Swift said. “I know who I am and what I’m about. What motivates me is the work I put in and how I prepare.”
48 photos from the Chicago Bears' win against the Rams
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams heads to the locker room after a short warm up an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams gestures during a short warm up an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) smiles as he warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles walks on the sidelines prior to an NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Votes sign is seen on the goal post prior to an NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Braden Fiske smiles as he signs an autograph before an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. ERIN HOOLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles walks the field before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens talks with his wife Simone Biles before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens talks with his wife Simone Biles before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens kisses his wife Simone Biles before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Soldier Field is reflected in the visor of Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams warms up near wide receiver DJ Moore before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Simone Biles waves to fans prior to an NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Simone Biles arrives on the field prior to an NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Simone Biles poses for a photo on the field prior to an NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus watches his team warm up before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos, left, talks with actor Ashton Kutcher before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis pose for a photo prior to an NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams passes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 29 in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams carries the ball as Chicago Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds makes the tackle during the first half of an NFL football game on Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. ERIN HOOLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams passes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) pitches the ball to wide receiver DJ Moore during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. ERIN HOOLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young (0) reaches past Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright snd grabs the facemark of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. ERIN HOOLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson celebrates his touchdown with teammates during the first half of an NFL football gameagainst the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. ERIN HOOLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson celebrates his touchdown with teammates during the first half of an NFL football gameagainst the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) celebrates his extra point with teammates during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. ERIN HOOLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos steps into an extra point off the hold of Tory Taylor during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. ERIN HOOLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus watches his team during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams carries the ball as Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson makes the tackle during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams is gang tackled by the Chicago Bears defense during the second half of an NFL football game on Sept. 29 in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears tight end Marcedes Lewis (84) stands on the field with tight end Cole Kmet Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, as Lewis surpasses Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten with the most games played in the NFL by a tight end with 272, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, in Chicago. ERIN HOOLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift celebrates his touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams last season in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift heads to the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift heads to the end zone for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears tight end Marcedes Lewis (84) stands on the field between plays Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, as Lewis surpasses Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten with the most games played in the NFL by a tight end with 272, during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, in Chicago. ERIN HOOLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker celebrates his interception of a Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford pass late in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker celebrates with teammates his interception of a Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford pass late in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, left, and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford talk after the Bears' 24-18 win over the Rams in an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. ERIN HOOLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) celebrates after an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Rams 24-18. KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) celebrates after an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Rams 24-18. KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) celebrates after an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Rams 24-18. KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) celebrates after an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Rams 24-18. KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker walks off the field as he celebrates his interception of a Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford pass late in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. NAM Y. HUH, ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams walks off with a game ball after the Bears' 24-18 win over the Los Angeles Rams in an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Chicago. ERIN HOOLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS
“He is a fierce competitor. And that’s what I love about him. When the lights are bright, you’re going to know exactly what you’re going to get."
Ben Johnson on Bears RB D'Andre Swift
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