The Chicago Bears’ offense made massive strides in Ben Johnson’s first season as head coach, going from one of the league’s worst to a top-four offense and top-10 scoring offense. While quarterback Caleb Williams played a huge role in that jump, the run game also was a key factor in the offense’s success.
Chicago’s 1-2 punch at running back with D’Andre Swift and seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai led to a top-three rushing attack, averaging over 140 yards per game. It was also a resurgence for Swift, who had a career year with 1,087 rushing yards (his second ever 1,000-yard season) and nine touchdowns. Monangai, in a complementary role, totaled 783 yards and five touchdowns.
Heading into Year 2 together, Swift believes he and Monangai haven’t missed a beat and are primed to build on their success in 2026.
“There’s no drop-off at all,” Swift said. “He’s able to do everything. I’m able to do everything. It’s tough on defenses when I make something happen, his number gets called, he makes something happen, like what are you going to do? Especially with the O-line we have and how those guys are coached and the way Ben’s system is, it’s a lot for a defense to account for four quarters.”
Swift explained that him and Monangai are always communicating throughout the season.
“We always talk,” Swift said. “Anything he sees or I see, we always go to each other. I asked him today on a little route I had, ‘Did you see that? Was there something inside of me? Was there something outside of me?’ We just talk ball.”
The Bears offense is primed to take another step under Ben Johnson in Year 2, and the run game will once again play a key role in their success. The duo of Swift and Monangai might not be super flashy, but if they can find similar success in 2026, good things will happen for this Chicago offense.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: D’Andre Swift says “no drop-off” for Bears run game, Kyle Monangai
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
