Roschon Johnson will be splitting time with D'Andre Swift in the backfield this fall, barring a trade or free-agency signing that changes the mix. Many observers wondered why the now-fired coaching duo of former head coach Matt Eberflus and former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron didn't utilize Johnson better in 2024, even with Swift often being featured ahead of him.
Consider this -- Johnson had 81 carries in 2023, his rookie season, but just 55 in 2024. He did have four more touchdowns -- six to two -- but that is quite the usage drop, even factoring in having Swift on the roster.
Perhaps new head coach Ben Johnson, who is considered one of the most innovative offensive thinkers in the NFL today, can do what the hapless Waldron couldn't -- figure out how to use Johnson (and Swift) effectively.
Maybe the new coach is already doing just that. In fact, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer said that with a clean slate and new coach/new offense, Roschon could get a good, long look. Breer also believes Roschon complements Swift "nicely".
Any concerns that Johnson could be challenged by rookie Kyle Monangai seem misplaced, at least for now, as Monangai was called out by coaches for moving like an old man. Monangai could, of course, challenge Johnson (and Swift) in time, but right now, in the early going of organized team activities (OTAs), it seems that Johnson has the chance to shine.
Johnson backed up Bijan Robinson at Texas, so the role is familiar to him. As for Swift, questions swirled about his future with Chicago -- he'd played for the Detroit Lions while Ben Johnson was the team's offensive coordinator, and since the Lions parted ways with Swift, there were concerns that Johnson didn't want him. It now seems, however, that Johnson will be happy to have Swift and Roschon Johnson as a 1-2 punch in the backfield, unless a star running back becomes available suddenly.
There was some talk of Nick Chubb finding his way to Chicago from the Cleveland Browns, but that seems unlikely as of this writing.
So this all gives Roschon an opportunity, and while OTAs won't make or break his season, he can get a head start on success if he stands out now as opposed to waiting until training camp. With an offensive guru in charge of the team, it stands to reason that the coaching staff will understand how to use Johnson as more than an afterthought or goal-line back.
Swift has speed, but he hasn't always looked like a lead back. Having Swift's speed teamed with Johnson's ability could give defenses fits and open up the passing game, especially via play action. And if both guys are on the field at the same time, that could force defenders to make a tough choice. Chicago would have some serious options in the running game.
Johnson will need to step up, but if he does, the Bears' offense might look a lot less moribund.