The Chicago Bears showcased a revitalized rushing attack in their Week 6 matchup against the Washington Commanders, achieving a season-high of 145 rushing yards. This performance raises the question of whether it signifies a genuine breakthrough or merely a temporary surge.
With the game on the line late in the fourth quarter, Bears offensive coordinator Ben Johnson placed his trust in the running game. Following a turnover caused by Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Johnson called for five consecutive runs from D’Andre Swift, who finished the game with 108 yards on 14 carries. Swift’s impressive 15-yard run on second-and-12 set up kicker Jake Moody for a game-winning 38-yard field goal as time expired.
This marked a significant turnaround for the Bears, who had struggled to reach 100 rushing yards in their previous two games. Swift, who had not surpassed 63 rushing yards in any game this season prior to Monday, provided a much-needed spark.
Fundamentals and Progress
The success of the rushing game was attributed to a renewed focus on fundamentals. Center Drew Dalman emphasized that improvement would require the entire offensive line to enhance their performance by 10% in various aspects. Left tackle Theo Benedet echoed these sentiments, noting that footwork and hand placement were critical areas that needed attention.
Johnson, known for his background in cultivating effective rushing attacks during his tenure in Detroit, acknowledged the importance of power football in his offensive philosophy. “I take it personally, because I actually spend more time on the run game than I do on the passing game,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to executing the basics.
This was not the first instance where Johnson leaned heavily on his running game during critical moments. In a Week 3 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, the Bears executed an impressive 11 consecutive runs during a drive that effectively sealed the win.
Looking ahead, the Bears have an opportunity to build on this momentum, facing teams with weaker rushing defenses, including the New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, and Minnesota Vikings.
Lineup Changes and Improvements
A key factor in the Bears’ resurgence has been their revamped offensive line. The team made significant investments in the interior, acquiring Dalman and trading for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. Despite their experience, the new lineup required time to develop chemistry.
Dalman expressed confidence in the direction of the offensive line, stating, “It’s just one more step on a much longer journey that we started in April.” Offensive line coach Dan Roushar, who previously worked with successful teams in New Orleans, has emphasized the need for consistency and attention to detail.
The Bears made a pivotal change during their Week 4 win against the Las Vegas Raiders, replacing left tackle Braxton Jones with Benedet. Following the bye week, Johnson decided to maintain this lineup, which has begun to show promise. Benedet’s performance has not gone unnoticed; according to ESPN Analytics, he currently ranks second in run-blocking win rates among NFL tackles, succeeding in 85% of his matchups.
Benedet’s ability to blend athleticism with technical skill has made him a valuable asset. Johnson remarked, “The biggest compliment I could probably give him last week is I didn’t feel him out there,” indicating that the offensive line’s stability allowed him to focus on play calling without concern for breakdowns.
Running Back Efficiency
Swift’s performance against the Commanders not only showcased traditional statistics but also reflected positive underlying metrics. His efficiency rating, which measures the effectiveness of a ball carrier, reached 2.76, marking his best game since joining the Bears. This improvement highlights the running backs’ commitment to executing the fundamentals, as emphasized by coach Eric Bieniemy.
Swift expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “When it’s clicking like that, it’s good.” He achieved an average of 7.7 yards per carry, a clear indicator of the offensive line’s improved blocking and the team’s overall cohesion.
As the Bears look to maintain this upward trajectory, they recognize the importance of consistency. Dalman noted that while progress has been made, challenges will continue to arise, requiring the team to adapt to new defenses and looks. “We’re better, more cohesive now than we were five weeks ago, and we’ll continue to hopefully be better five weeks from now,” he said.
With a crucial stretch of games ahead, the Chicago Bears have the chance to solidify their identity as a formidable rushing team, providing an essential support system for quarterback Caleb Williams. The performance in Week 6 may serve as a turning point, but the challenge remains to sustain this success into the coming weeks.
