The Chicago Bears have undergone quite a few changes in terms of their culture, personnel, and coaching over the past two seasons. The starting quarterback is different from it was in 2023. The same can be said about their head coach, starting center, and other parts of their offensive line.
QB Caleb Williams, C Drew Dalman, and HC Ben Johnson enter the 2025 NFL season being their first year together. Williams is the only name of the three that was in Chicago last year.
There is another observation about the Bears that is very different than in the past couple of seasons. In 2022, Chicago had the best rushing offense in the NFL with 177.3 yards per game. Despite averaging about 35 rushing yards less per game, Chicago had the top rushing offense in the NFC (and second-best in the league) the next season in 2024.
With key losses like running back David Montgomery and quarterback Justin Fields over the past two years, the Bears' rushing attack took a massive hit. Last year, Chicago was the third-worst rushing team in the NFC and eighth-worst overall with an average of only 102 yards on the ground per game.
Bears Won't Be a Better Run Team in 2025
D'Andre Swift was one of the first players signed in free agency a year ago. He left the Philadelphia Eagles (who ended up winning the Super Bowl this past season) for the Chicago Bears. Given his 2024 stat line, he underperformed considering he inked a three-year, $24 million deal.
Swift ranked tenth in the NFL with 259 carries in 2024. Yet, he failed to break the 1,000-yard rushing mark on the season. Furthermore, the former Georgia Bulldog averaged under four yards per carry, a career low,
The backup running back, Roschon Johnson, also scored six rushing touchdowns. However, he only produced 150 yards on 55 carries. His average was even less than Swift's last year. Both return to the Bears' roster for the 2025 NFL regular season as Chicago failed to add another impact runner through the NFL Draft or free agency.
To make matters worse, the Bears have to play the Minnesota Vikings, the Detroit Lions, and the Green Bay Packers twice this season. All three teams fielded a top-seven run defense, allowing less than 100 rushing yards per game.
Furthermore, Chicago will face the Baltimore Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Philadelphia Eagles this season. Those three teams boasted a top-ten run defense. The Ravens were the stingiest of all 32 NFL teams last year, followed by the Vikings.
The Bears may have an improved offensive line and a few new weapons for Williams to throw downfield. But, unless Chicago figures out the woes from last season with their run game, this offense may be one-sided. Without a respectable rushing attack, wins could become scarce for Johnson and his new team.