It really doesn't matter where you look on the stat sheet. Just about every number will tell you that Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift was at his best in 2025.
In his third turn as a full-time starter (and second with the Bears), each of Swift's total yards (1,087), yards-per-attempt (4.9), and yards-per-game (67.9) were career bests as a no. 1 back. At 54.7 percent, his rushing success rate also stood atop his career marks. Pro Football Focus gave him an 81.0 grade that put him 11th among 55 qualifying backs. Again, a career best. If head coach Ben Johnson has it his way, Swift is already setting the stage for new heights in 2026.
"It's the best I've seen him this time of year," Johnson said. "And you look back at a year ago, he was very
explosive, and yet it takes a little while to gel between him and the offensive line. I think he's accelerating his vision here at this point. I think Coach Studesville has been fantastic for him just with the reads and being able to know the intent of where we're trying to hit things. He hits it right on the spot when it's there, and then he cuts it up. I think he's doing a really good job right now. I think he's primed for a big year, though."
Swift's first year in Chicago, back in 2024, wasn't a bad year. It was, however, a drop across the board from what he'd turned in with the Philadelphia Eagles in the season prior. Especially as far as his success rate, which sat at just 43.9 percent. The eye test showcased in inability to read the lanes behind a less stable offensive line compounded with turnover in the offensive staff.
In his first season with Johnson, however, Swift was able to form one of the league's best backfield tandems alongside Kyle Monangai. There was a more assured running style than we saw in the season prior, with Swift & Monangai combining to take over games in multiple instances last season. That Johnson is impressed at this stage of the preseason speaks to the growth of not only Swift, but those blocking for him.
Even with the ascent of Caleb Williams under center, the running game remains the foundation on which Johnson's offensive scheme resides. If the head coach's insight is any indication, Swift's second year in the system could propel him to even higher career marks than in Year 1.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ben Johnson believes Bears RB D'Andre Swift is primed for a 'big year'
