The Chicago Bears' 25-24 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday wasn't without some drama. After kicker Daniel Carlson gave the Raiders a five-point lead with just under seven minutes to go, the Bears marched down the field on an 11-play, 69-yard drive that culminated with a two-yard touchdown run from D'Andre Swift, marking his first score since Week 2.
Although the Bears couldn't have won without Swift's timely score, they wouldn't have needed the last-minute TD had he been performing better throughout the contest. Chicago's lead back was heading towards a dangerous spot before finding pay dirt in the fourth quarter, and that's something the Bears can't ignore.
D'Andre Swift Is Still on Thin Ice Despite Week 4 Touchdown
Even including his game-winning TD, Swift's latest effort wasn't anything to write home about. He averaged a forgettable 2.7 yards on 14 carries while catching only four of six targets (66.7%) for 22 receiving yards. No matter how you slice it, that uninspiring production doesn't match the $24 million price tag that comes with his three-year contract.
Swift is now up to only 56 carries for 187 rushing yards and two TDs, putting him on pace for a 238-796-9 stat line in 17 games. Considering how he had a 253-959-6 performance without missing a game last season, Bears fans have every right to be concerned about Swift's outlook, especially if he continues to experience slow starts.
The thing is, Swift is only part of the problem in the Windy City. Even if head coach Ben Johnson benches his RB1, it isn't like there are viable backup options waiting in the wings. Rookie RB Kyle Monangai is a seventh-round pick who's only averaging 3.6 yards on 17 carries, so it's safe to say he isn't ready to lead the charge. Meanwhile, Roschon Johnson has zero carries through four games.
With Britain Brown being the only practice squad RB, general manager Ryan Poles might have no choice but to explore outside options. This year's trade deadline is on Nov. 4, and plenty of options could emerge before then as teams fall out of the playoff race.
The Bears' backfield has been riddled with concerns since the season opener, and Swift's game-winning TD isn't good enough to ease fans' minds. Unless his productivity and early-game impact improve soon, Chicago will have no choice but to shake up the backfield if a playoff berth is the top priority this season.