3 Chicago Bears Who Will Dominate in Their Chicago Debuts
2. D'Andre Swift, Running Back
D'Andre Swift was by far the best offseason addition for the Chicago Bears. Ryan Poles brought him in via free agency on a team-friendly deal. The Bears upgraded the position, and he helps ease in the rookie quarterback if he struggles.
Running back is not as important as it used to be. Teams will not pay big money for a player at the position. Typically, teams can now find great value late in the draft. Swift is that lead back the Bears have needed since David Montgomery departed the team for the Detroit Lions. The Bears had Khalil Herbert as the top back for one season, and it didn't pan out. It's not that he is a bad player. He seems more fit to be a second option.
The Bears upgraded the position by signing Swift, and the running back room is now deeper because of it. Swift is a Pro Bowler. The Bears are getting a well-rounded running back that can catch, block, and run the ball very well. He can skillfully rush for over 1,000 yards this season. He has the chance to get off to a great start in the season opener against the Titans.
The Bears might feel best easing rookie quarterback Caleb Williams into the game. Why not go to your Pro Bowl running back to take the edge off him? Swift is an elite runner. He is a great security blanket in the passing game. If Williams struggles to find open wide receivers, he can throw to Swift. Especially if the pocket collapses and Williams is about to get sacked. The preseason game against the Buffalo Bills was a perfect example of that.
We are D’Andre Swift days away from Bears vs. Titans
— Just Another Year Chicago: Bears (@JAYChi_Bears) September 4, 2024
Literally cannot hold in my excitement anymore pic.twitter.com/og132K8hLg
Swift is the X-factor on offense, and I anticipate him to contribute in many ways. He is the Swiss army knife on offense that the Bears desperately need. Head coach Matt Eberflus said they want a home run threat in the backfield and he can provide that type of momentum for the team. During the final two minutes of the game, it is crucial to run the ball. It can make or break a season. The Bears have lost several close games these past few years. The running game of Swift will come in handy and potentially create more winning opportunities for the Bears this season.