Is the Chicago Bears’ Run Game Back?
Week 4 Showed Promising Signs, But What’s Next?
For as long as the franchise has represented the Windy City, the success of the Chicago Bears has been synonymous with sturdy defense and running the ball. After disappearing through their first three games, Week 4 showed some promise from the Bears’ run game. But can they replicate the performance they had against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers?
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Let’s start with the man in charge of the offensive scheme, Shane Waldron, after Luke Getsy’s departure. In two years under Getsy, Chicago was one of the most run-dominant offenses in the NFL. In 2022, the Bears ran the ball 56.2% of the time and were tops in the NFL in rushing yards (3,014) and yards-per-carry (5.4).
In 2023, Chicago ran the ball on 48.7% of offensive plays, second in the NFL in rushing yards (2,399) and tied for seventh in runs of 20-plus yards (13).
Since Getsy’s departure and Waldron’s hire, their percentage of run plays has dropped dramatically. In 257 offensive plays through four games, 157 have been pass plays (61.1%).
With a decline in volume, efficiency in the run game will be key. But it also appears there will be more chances for the Bears to generate similar results through the short passing game, especially when it comes to using D’Andre Swift on screens.
“In defenses are going to present some different challenges with the rush pattern up front, so, there’s always going to be that starting point for a screen game,” Waldron said.
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Swift logged a season-high 23 total touches against the Rams in Week 4. He carried the ball 16 times for 93 yards and a touchdown, and caught seven passes on seven targets for 72 yards>. All six of those figures were also season highs.
“When the ball’s in his hands in space, like he had the opportunity on a couple screens, another one on a scramble throw, you know, good things are going to happen,” Waldron said.
The game represented a breakout performance for the fifth-year running back, who struggled to operate in an offensive unit that has missed blocking assignments and committed penalties, killing drives and opportunities to run the ball.
Through four contests, the Bears offense has been called for 28 penalties, including 17 pre-snap penalties and nine holdings calls after the snap, which have costed Chicago 210 yards.
Tough Sledding Until Pre-Snap Execution Improves
It’s tough sledding when a team is out of sorts before and after the snap, but when their operations are in sync ahead of the snap, the game plan changes. If Chicago’s pre-snap execution is clean and blockers win their blocks, Swift will have plenty of opportunities to build off his Week 4 performance.
“I think rushing the ball is an everybody thing,” said head coach Matt Eberflus. “It’s kind of like protection – we’ve got to create the holes for everybody, move people, the scheme’s got to be right for that particular runner, I just think it’s everybody, it’s not just him.”
The Chicago Bears’ running game has shown promise but still faces challenges. However, with a more precise game plan and improved blocking, they can replicate the success they had against the Rams. As the running game continues to evolve under Waldron’s guidance and Swift’s breakout performance gains momentum, the Bears hope to build a strong, balanced offense.
FAQs
Q: Have the Chicago Bears’ rush attempts decreased under Shane Waldron’s guidance?
A: Yes, their run attempts have decreased significantly in the first four games with Waldron as the offense coordinator.
Q: Which running back has shown growth in the Bears’ passing game?
A: D’Andre Swift has accounted for a season-high number of touches, including multiple screens and scramble throws against the Rams.
Q: What is the key area for improvement for the Chicago Bears’ offense?
A: Pre-snap execution and blocking assignments are major areas of focus for improving the team’s running and overall performance.
