Three games into the 2024 season, it's more of the same old story for the Chicago Bears offense.
With first-overall pick Caleb Williams assuming quarterback duties, hopes were high that the Bears could finally have one of the NFL's more dynamic offensive attacks. But through three games, the Bears have just three offensive touchdowns and find themselves in last place.
Williams has struggled to find his footing behind a patchwork offensive line, and plenty of other players on the offense have struggled. But the most surprising slump of the early season may be that of ex-Philadelphia Eagles Pro-Bowl running back D'Andre Swift.
It may still be early in the year, but the criticism has come pouring in for Swift for failing to live up to his new three-year Chicago contract. David Kenyon of Bleacher Report called Swift one of the five biggest "free agency busts" of the 2024 season thus far.
"For some reason, the Chicago Bears sprinted to the table with a three-year, $24 million offer for D'Andre Swift. It was literally one of the first reported free-agent signings in 2024," Kenyon said. "Didn't seem great then, doesn't look better now."
"Swift's tendency to bounce outside in hopes of a more explosive run has become both prevalent and problematic. (He) may soon be sharing more snaps with Roschon Johnson unless this trend changes quickly."
Running backs are incredibly difficult to project when switching teams, and Swift was likely always going to take a step back from his remarkable 2023 season behind a generational offensive line with the Eagles. But the drop-off has been more steep than anyone could have predicted.
In three games with the Bears, Swift has 37 rushes for just 68 yards. That puts him 25th among all rushers in attempts so far this year, but 59th in yards. Meanwhile, Johnson has put up a slightly more efficient 30 yards on eight carries.
The Bears are not in a position to play allegiances based on contract value. If Swift can't help them ease some of the pressure on Williams, he shouldn't be getting carries.
Too many jobs, especially those of head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, are at stake. Swift will have to show out this week against the Los Angeles Rams to keep his starting job.
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