Bears coach Ben Johnson addresses D’Andre Swift issue

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Bears coach Ben Johnson addresses D’Andre Swift issue

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 8, 2026 12:28 PM ET

Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears have won back-to-back games and are 3-1 this season. They achieved it despite playing without Caleb Williams in the last two weeks. Several players have shined early in the campaign, including D’Andre Swift. However, the veteran running back has had some football security issues, which the head coach addressed.

The Bears defeated the New York Jets 23-12 on Sunday. Tyson Bagent started under center and completed 25-of-34 passes for 268 yards. Kyle Monangai led the charge from the backfield with 30 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Swift also recorded a solid stat line of 15 rushing attempts for 58 yards but once again committed a fumble. The duo set a new franchise record through four weeks.

Johnson is known for being highly critical of mistakes, as well as giving credit where it’s due. Chicago is in a good position entering Week 5 but the schedule will be even more challenging moving forward.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting.

Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson opens up on D’Andre Swift’s fumbles

Swift already has two fumbles in four games, with the first coming in Week 2 versus the Minnesota Vikings. It has been a cause of concern for Johnson and his staff, but he made it clear that it’s something that can be fixed.

“It’s very uncharacteristic,” Johnson said. “I give Minnesota a lot of credit. That’s what they do. They do it probably better than anybody in the NFL, just conscious of the ball and looking to punch it out. We cannot allow that to happen. Yet that guy, he hit it right on the head and it came right on out. I think the one last week was one that we can’t have.

“There’s too many times where the ball is getting away from our body, and he knows that. He takes a lot of pride in it; hence why it’s never been an issue over the course of his career. So we just got to tighten that up, and he’ll be just fine moving forward.”

Ben Johnson speaks very candidly about the ball security issues with D’Andre Swift so far this season; https://t.co/TRcF0i1iRq

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) October 7, 2026

The team will rely heavily on the 27-year-old again on Sunday in the Bears’ rivalry game against the Green Bay Packers. He will be key to the offense thriving and overcoming the home team’s relentless defense. The coaching staff named Bagent the starter, and analysts expect him to maximize Swift once more.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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