Can the 2026 Bears Rushing Attack Carry Them to Success?

In Week One, the Chicago Bears' offense ran wild. One of the week's best moments was Chicago scoring 59 points against the Panthers. It was a team-wide success, but it was led by a dominant rushing attack. The Bears ran for 291 yards and six touchdowns. Their seven-and-a-half yards per carry controlled the game and led to a 22-point win. Now, the goal is to prove it is more than a one-week wonder.

D’Andre Swift led the way with 18 carries, 124 yards, and three touchdowns. Kyle Monangai recorded 10 carries for 100 yards and a touchdown. Caleb Williams joined the party, with 10 carries, 65 yards, and two touchdowns. These three dominated Carolina, as the combination of speed and power was unstoppable. If Chicago wishes to keep up their hot pace, they need all three to play key roles.

Chicago is so successful because the running back duo works well together. Swift is an explosive runner who can break any play for a long rush. His athletic play wears down opponents as they try to contain him. Monangai then uses this to his advantage. His bruiser style of play makes it hard for anyone to bring him down. However, when opponents are already worn down from Swift, it is even easier to break tackles. Williams using his legs adds another layer defenses have to consider to contain the run game.

Last year, the Bears' rushing attack was important to the team's success. Ben Johnson likes to rely on the run game to set the tone for the rest of the offense. He will then use that to open up passing windows. This combination of rushing and passing success made it hard to stop. If Chicago does not make teams respect the run game, it is harder for Williams to lead the explosive passing attack.

Another reason the rushing attack is crucial is that it helps the team control the game. This is true for any team, but even more so for the Bears. Their defense is in a rough spot due to injuries and inconsistent play. Even though Chicago won by 22 points, Carolina’s offense could do whatever they wanted. The Bears' rushing attack needs to control the clock. Keeping opponents' offenses off the field is the best way to boost your defense.

One of the keys to victory in Week Two will be the Bears' rushing attack. Even with questions at quarterback, the Vikings offense has dangerous weapons. A poor defensive game will make it far harder to beat their division rivals. Chicago had a great year in 2025, but now expectations are higher than they have been in quite some time. All eyes will be on the run game as the Bears look to become one of the best teams in the NFL.