The entire summer, the discussion around D’Andre Swift was not about what he could do in the Ben Johnson offense, but rather about how long it would take for Johnson to bench him.
Johnson and Swift spent time together with the Detroit Lions, and it did not go well. The thought was that this would be the same. While Swift has had his ups and downs through five games this season, the ups have been well worth it, as he was a game-changer who won the Bears the game against the Washington Commanders in Week 6, 25-24.
Chicago Bears got a game changing performance from D'Andre Swift
Johnson had strong words about Swift post-game and highlighted his game-changing moment.
"This is the best, the most efficient we've ran the ball all year. You know, 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. Not only that, I mean the catch, 55-yard touchdown was really a game-changer for us. There was a time in the game where we needed a little spark. We're kind of 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."
The Bears controlled the game for the most part, but the team surrendered the lead in the fourth quarter. The offense, defense, and even special teams had made mistakes together, and it looked like a typical Bears collapse.
However, Swift had a 55-yard catch and run that put the team right back into the game. It allowed them to be within two when the Bears recovered the fateful fumble.
Swift did not just have that catch; he was a game-changer all night. He converted multiple big runs and finished with 108 yards on the ground to add to his 67 through the air, 55 coming on one catch.
Swift has mostly been good in the Johnson offense this season. He is averaging 59 rushing yards per game and 30 receiving yards. His rushing was aided by the 108 this week, but he still has two other games over 50 rushing yards.
His rushing yards per game are better than last year, and more importantly, his success rate as a runner surpasses his career average, demonstrating his efficiency in the offense.
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As a pass catcher, he is on pace for a career high in yards. All of a sudden, Swift went from a player with a short tenure on the team to one that fans want to see get the ball more. It will be interesting to see if Swift can build on this performance because if his current numbers improve, it could be a career high in many areas.