Many Chicago Bears fans might remember Eric Bieniemy as the long-time offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he won two Super Bowls. Bieniemy now coaches the Chicago Bears' running backs and has them on fire over the last two weeks.
Coming out of the bye week, there were many questions about one of the NFL's worst rushing attacks in the Bears. Many were even speculating that starter D'Andre Swift might be a trade candidate before the trade deadline.
That narrative has gone out the window with how the Bears' offense has been running the ball over the last two games. They racked up 145 yards in the Week 6 win over the Washington Commanders and 222 yards in their Week 7 victory against the New Orleans Saints.
Swift was the star in both games as he rushed for over 100 yards in each of those matchups. He also scored touchdowns with one receiving and one rushing over the last two weeks.
One player that emerged from the pack was rookie seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai, who had a career-high 81 yards on 13 carries and scored his first career touchdown in the NFL. The Bears might have finally found their one-two punch in the backfield with Swift and Monangai.
Bieniemy deserves credit for getting the running backs performing
That leads us back to the job that Bieniemy has done since the bye week to get the running back performing. Many have wondered what it was that sparked the recent run in great rushing performances.
Monangai gave some insights for the media to share Bieniemy's lofty goal for the running backs in each game.
"You’ll hear E.B. say all the time, ‘Find four and a half' (yards per carry). He’s not too concerned with everything number-wise or big picture. He just says whatever play we’re on is the most important, and if the ball’s in your hand, you’ve got to find four and a half."
As a team, the Bears have certainly hit that mark with a 5.4 yards per carry average against Washington and a 5.6 yards per carry average against New Orleans. Swift has gone two straight games averaging at least six yards per carry in a game, while Monangai also averaged 6.2 yards per carry in the Saints match.
A ton of credit should be given to the offensive line, which has finally found some continuity together to get the running game performing. Guys like Darnell Wright have been critical in leading the way in the rushing attack.
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While the running game is working now, the Bears must make sure to keep it consistent. This is where Bieniemy must continue to do his job well and keep his running backs focused.