The Chicago Bears Have A Solution To Their Running Game Problems

Perhaps the most shocking thing about the Chicago Bears offense over the first two weeks is how bad their running game has been. While Justin Fields was a big part of it during the past two seasons, running backs still found plenty of holes to run through during that time. Yet so far in 2024, D’Andre Swift and Khalil Herbert have done nothing to alleviate the burden on quarterback Caleb Williams. Blame for this is primarily split between the blocking up front and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s inability to scheme up more lanes.

In truth, neither Swift nor Herbert seems like a good fit for the Bears’ plans. It was warned that Waldron liked running a lot of inside-zone on the ground, which is basically running between the tackles. For that, you need interior blocking to generate movement and a back that can run with power and contact balance. The Bears have somebody like that. Unfortunately, they refuse to play him.

Roschon Johnson is a terrific downhill runner. What he lacks in pure speed, he makes up in strength, toughness, and vision. The Bears were 3-1 last year when he got seven or more carries in a game. What makes his benching so odd is he resembles a player Waldron used extensively in Seattle.

The Chicago Bears have to adjust their mentality.

They want to be an offense predicated on speed and explosiveness. That is a good thing. Big plays are what drive successful teams. Unfortunately, their blocking isn’t consistent enough to make that work. In cases like this, the smart thing to do is go a little more old school. Having the offensive line push forward and put a power back behind them to grind out yards. Wear the defense down and try staying ahead of the chains. As the game goes on and the opponent gets tired, that is when you unleash the speed threat like Swift.

Johnson isn’t Walter Payton or Matt Forte. He doesn’t have their speed. He is closer to Anthony Thomas. The guy may not be the most elegant runner, but he fights for every yard. That is what the Chicago Bears need right now. Easing the pressure on Williams demands simple solutions. Running the ball is the simplest you can get. If Swift and Herbert can’t get it down, then it’s time to go with somebody else.