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Ben Johnson's stubbornness and faith in D'Andre Swift proved a lot of doubters wrong after cleaning up the run game in Week 6
Peter Casey-Imagn Images

During the first four games of the 2025 season, the Chicago Bears had a consistent issue with the run game not producing to the level head coach Ben Johnson intended.

With such a heavy workload in the backfield, many fans pointed the issues toward running back D'Andre Swift, with some solid reasonings given his stats and efficiency.

Yet, Johnson continued to defend his starting running back and pointed toward the overall operation needing to get cleaned up during the bye week. And coming out of the bye week in Week 6, Johnson and Swift were able to prove some of those doubters wrong.

D'Andre Swift has easily his best game of the season vs. Commanders

Swift accounted for 175 total yards and one touchdown on 16 touches against the Commanders and on the ground averaged 7.7 yards per carry. The offensive line and skill players held firm to blocks, allowing Swift to hit the hole with authority all game long.

"This is the best and most efficient we've ran the ball all year," Johnson explained. "Really felt an attitude with him, he did a great job finding a little crease and stepping on the gas as we talked about. Played a physical style."

Swift's biggest play of the night actually came as a receiver after catching a quick out on 3rd-and-4 and then turning it into a 55-yard touchdown after the catch to spark the entire Chicago sideline.

"That was a time in a game we needed a little spark and we were faltering just a little bit as a team and all it takes is one guy to make a big play like that and really ignite us again," Johnson said. "I think it's really who I thought he was going to be going into the season."

With the trade deadline looming, many fans were advocating for the Bears to add a new option to the backfield. Over the weekend, Johnson reiterated his belief in his players currently in the building having the ability to win games once everything came together.

That's what happened on Monday night and it wasn't just Swift with other players adding 39 yards on the ground as well.

"I felt good about how our guys up-front were blocking. I thought that was the cleanest they've played as a whole," Johnson added. "Tight ends included and our receivers were blocking really well."

All around a much more clean and efficient run game for Chicago that the Bears were able to ride to a huge road victory coming out of the bye.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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