Ben Johnson explains what’s fueling D’Andre Swift’s career year with Bears

The Chicago Bears have relied on their running game to propel the team into a playoff contender and potential NFC North champion. A big reason why the Bears are averaging a whopping 151.9 rushing yards per game — good for No. 2 in the NFL — is the emergence of veteran running back D’Andre Swift.

Swift, whom the Bears signed to a three-year, $24 million contract before the 2024 season, ended his first year in Chicago as a disappointment. He averaged just 3.8 yards per carry and failed to reach 1,000 rushing yards.

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After 14 games this year, Swift is just 65 yards away from the 1K mark. He’s averaging the second-highest yards per carry of his career (4.9), too.

So, what changed?

D’Andre Swift is thriving under Ben Johnson in 2025

“He’s really embraced what we’re trying to do,” said Johnson, who spent time with Swift in Detroit. “He’s got some familiarity with the running style that we need from that running back position.”

Familiarity with the position is one thing. But executing is another.

“He’s very disciplined on his landmarks—probably the most disciplined I’ve seen him be in his career now—just staying right on the track and trusting the blocking up front and helping set up some of those blocks.”

Bears fans can expect a heavy dose of D’Andre Swift and rookie running back Kyle Monangai on Saturday night against the Packers. With Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III already ruled out with injuries, Chicago’s offense will likely be the most run-heavy it’s been all year.

“Last week we saw (Swift) take that game to the next level where he’s able to make some of those tackles on the second and third level miss and become really explosive big gains for us,” Johnson said. “That’s what he’s always had in his body, and that’s what we’ll continue to need from here on out.”

The Bears will need the very best of Swift and Monangai on Saturday night.