Why a Former Georgia RB Has Changed His Narrative in Chicago?
Running back D’Andre Swift has completely reshaped his narrative, just weeks after being one of the least productive runners in the league. The Chicago Bears are heading into Cincinnati on Sunday to take on the Bengals, but will be without Swift for the first time this season due to injury. Despite last week's loss against the Baltimore Ravens, he still earned his fourth touchdown of the season. Now that Chicago will be missing its starting running back, will they feel the effects of not having their improved speedster?
Swift, so far in seven games this season, has rushed for 464 yards and four touchdowns. It would be a slow start to the year for the Bears’ rushing attack, causing them to rely on their passing game for their first four matchups of the year. Chicago struggled to get any sort of success running the football, especially with Swift, who was barely averaging three yards a carry. Now, the former Georgia RB is averaging nearly five yards a carry for the Bears. Both he and the offensive line have begun to piece together a dangerous rushing game, but will now have to take a step back while Swift recovers from his injury.
Stepping up for the Bears will be running back Kyle Monangai, who will get nearly every snap as both running backs, Roschon Johnson and Swift, will be out. Monangai is Chicago’s seventh-round pick in 2025, and the only running back they would get in the entire draft. So far in his rookie season, Monangai has only 186 yards and a touchdown, with Swift getting the majority of the carries all season long. This game will be the first time the Bears can’t rely on Swift to get the running game going, which will ultimately provide the fans with an opportunity to see what the offense looks like without him. Most fans were disappointed in Swift at the beginning of the year, with many believing that Chicago should be looking for more help to run the ball. Monangai will be a player to keep an eye on, as the offense will test their ability without its starter.
