​The Chicago Bears enjoyed an offensive revival under head coach Ben Johnson, a stark departure from the prior regime under Matt Eberflus. It felt like a complete reversal, a 180-degree turn in efficiency and production. In fact, the offense looked as if it had performed a full 360, spinning from a struggling unit into a more dynamic and productive one. Last season, Chicago’s offense made a notable leap: they went from ranking among the league’s least productive units in several key categories to reemerging as a more balanced and threatening attack. In 2024, they ranked fifth-worst in passing yards per game (208.9), eighth-worst in rushing (102.0), and fifth-worst in points per game (18.2). By the following season, however, the Bears climbed to 12th in passing yards per game (234.8), third in rushing (144.5), and 10th in points per game (24.4), signaling a meaningful improvement across the board.
The transformation began with a recognition from General Manager Ryan Poles that the offensive line needed upgrades to unlock the offense’s potential. Caleb Williams, who entered the league as a rookie, had endured a rough start by taking a league-high number of sacks. In response, Poles brought in a veteran trio to bolster the trenches: Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman. The changes paid immediate dividends, with Chicago’s line conceding far fewer sacks—the Bears recorded the third-fewest sacks allowed (24) in the NFL in 2025. With more reliable protection, the rest of the offense could function more smoothly and efficiently.
In the backfield, D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai contributed to the improved running game. Swift delivered his second career 1,000-yard rushing season last year, finishing with 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns. It was the first time Swift contributed a 1,000-yard rushing season as a Bear. Early in Swift’s career with the Lions, there were concerns about durability, but those issues have diminished since he joined Chicago in 2024. He has only missed one game since arriving, and his production has helped stabilize a revamped rushing attack.
Despite Swift’s impact, his standing in league-wide evaluations remained a point of contention. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler published an article surveying anonymous NFL executives, coaches, and scouts to rank the top 10 running backs in the league. The list featured Bijan Robinson, Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, De’Von Achane, Breece Hall, Derrick Henry, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jonathan Taylor, James Cook, and Kenneth Walker. Swift’s name did not appear in the top 10, nor in the honorable mention category. He was included in the “also receiving votes” segment, alongside players such as Javonte Williams, Chase Brown, Ashton Jeanty, TreVeyon Henderson, Travis Etienne Jr., and Alvin Kamara.
For Swift, this kind of recognition—or lack thereof—could serve as crucial motivation in 2026, especially with his contract year looming and the possibility that his performance could influence whether Chicago pursues an extension. While league-wide respect may lag, the Windy City clearly values his contributions, particularly given his role in the Bears’ improved ground game alongside Monangai and a solid group of contributors in the backfield.
Chicago’s running back room remains a strength, with Swift rejoining Monangai, Brittain Brown, Roschon Johnson, Bennett Coleman, and Salvon Ahmed in a depth chart that supports a strong ground attack. If the Bears can maintain consistency from the offensive line and continue to lean on a productive running game, they are well-positioned to sustain this momentum. Swift’s presence is a central element of that strategy, and his performance last season cemented his importance to Chicago’s offense.
Overall, the Bears’ offensive resurgence is a team effort. A sturdier offensive line, a more efficient passing game, and a potent rushing attack have combined to produce a more balanced and dangerous offense than in the Eberflus era. Swift’s contributions, along with the development of teammates and continued improvements in the offense’s schematics and execution, have placed Chicago in a better position to build on last season’s gains. The city rallies behind its backfield, recognizing Swift’s pivotal role in the transformation and hoping for continued progress in the seasons ahead.