Bears’ Running Backs Hold Keys to Successful Season

The Starter: D’Andre Swift

Coming off a Pro Bowl season in Philadelphia, Swift arrived in Chicago hoping to lock down a starting job. Despite posting a career low 3.8 yards per carry, Swift remains in line to get the majority of the carries in 2025.

During the offseason, the Bears opted to focus on upgrading the trenches, bringing in Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman to reset their interior offensive line. While Swift isn’t convincing as the lead back, he could benefit from improved offensive line play.

Swift is a shifty back who is at his best in open space. The combination of an offensive line upgrade and Ben Johnson’s playbook should give him plenty of chances to make defenders miss. With Johnson calling the plays, there will be an emphasis on running the ball to enable his play action-heavy scheme.

The Wrecking Ball: Roschon Johnson

Complimenting Swift’s elusive nature is the ever-powerful Roschon Johnson. The third year back out of Texas has flown under the radar for two years in Chicago, quietly making the most of his limited attempts.

Johnson has found a role as the Bears’ short yardage back, matching Swift’s six rushing touchdowns in 2024 on nearly 200 less carries. His tenacity as a runner will make it hard for Ben Johnson to leave him out of the rushing attack.

Once he’s fully healthy, expect Johnson to continue to be the go-to power back to start the year.

The Next Man Up: Kyle Monangai

A seventh round rookie out of Rutgers, Kyle Monangai is one of the most intriguing newcomers on the Bears roster. Despite battling injuries and strong preseason performances from fellow running backs Brittain Brown and Ian Wheeler, Monangai was kept on the 53-man roster.

In college, Monangai averaged five or more yards per carry in each of his final two seasons. Patience and power are the keys to his game. In addition to his rushing prowess, Monangai is also a willing blocker. His physicality with the ball translates to effective pass protection. Ben Johnson has preached the “no block, no rock” philosophy, and Monangai exemplifies that ideology.

Monangai’s role remains uncertain heading into the season. However, it won’t be a surprise if his work earns him frequent touches by the end of the year.

Takeaways

While Swift remains the premier back, he’ll enter the year with a short leash. If the opportunities arise, Johnson and Monangai appear ready to shoulder the bulk of the carries.

The strength of the Bears offense is their pass catchers. But to enable the aerial onslaught, Chicago must first produce an effective ground assault. Even an average rushing attack would do wonders for a Bears team that’s looking to take the first step toward competitiveness.