Chicago Bears fans can say whatever they want about the recent struggles of the passing game, but one thing that can't be denied is that the running game is gaining ground.
In the 26-14 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 7 action, the Bears' rushing attack looked the best it has in years. The unit finished with a total of 222 yards, a season-high. That's the second consecutive game where they hit a season-high in rushing.
A big part of that success is their lead back, D'Andre Swift, who had his second straight 100-yard game, finishing with a season-high 124 yards and a touchdown. Swift averaged a staggering 6.5 yards per carry.
Another unexpected aspect is rookie seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai having the best game of his young career. He finished with 81 yards and his career touchdown, averaging 6.2 yards per carry.
There's a lot of praise that needs to go around with how the Bears are running the ball so well, but Swift wanted to make sure, after the game, he shared the secret sauce with the media on how they have been able to get it done.
"All 10 other people on the field are doing their job. When they're doing their job, I got to do mine ... O-line is doing what they're doing, and receivers blocking, everyone in our room should have a phenomenal day."
Let's give some love to the blocking in the Bears' running game
Ever since the Bears made the change from Braxton Jones to Theo Benedet at left tackle, it just feels like it has made a world of difference in the running game. Sure, Benedet is still three starts into his career, and it hasn't been the best, but the continuity of the offensive line is more there than it has been all season.
More credit should be given to some of the great run blockers on the line, like Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Darnell Wright. Even with past penalty issues, Wright is the highlight of the offensive line and a big reason a lot of these runs are breaking loose for big gains.
During training camp and the preseason, there was a significant emphasis on the wide receivers being unselfish and making the blocks just as crucial as making the catch. It's a big reason rookie Luther Burden has found the field more because of what he does in blocking.
Read more: Ben Johnson's six-word response to how Bears defeated Saints in Week 7
While the passing game tries to figure out some of the kinks to their game, the rushing attack will be there for Chicago to pick up the slack.