The Chicago Bears need to get a run game going if they want to see Caleb Williams thrive as a rookie. As disappointing as his debut was, the run game was equally disappointing as D’Andre Swift led the team with 10 carries for 30 yards.
The Bears are not going to face a team with Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat every week, but most teams have a big pair of defenders of their own, so this has to improve.
While Swift was signed because he can make a serious impact in the passing game, that was non-existent in week one. He was never expected to be a great rusher between the tackles, but the thought was that Khalil Herbert would take some of those duties. He had just two carries.
The Chicago Bears need to switch their running back usage against the Houston Texans
Herbert is a better runner in-between the tackles compared to Swift and he is just as explosive. Swift has much more value in the passing game and should play more, but the split of carries should be more even.
More than that, the Bears should look to get Roschon Johnson active. He is healthy now, and he brings more power to the running back room than any other player on their roster. They need to find a way to run between the tackles better, and Johnson can give them that. Plus, he could work in as a goal line back.
Johnson should take work from Velus Jones Jr., who did have an impact on offense in Week 1, but repeated special teams miscues could see him inactive for Week 2. Between Swift and Herbert, they have enough speed backs who can catch, they need the size that Johnson brings much more at this point.
These two changes could bring some serious positive value to the Bears' rushing attack against the Houston Texans in week two.