D’Andre Swift quickly shedding the label of free-agent bust for the Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are riding a three-game winning streak as they enter their bye week and a lot of the concerns that fans had at the start of the season have quickly faded away.
The biggest concern that has disappeared was the fear that the Bears got their quarterback decision wrong. While Caleb Williams’ struggles to open his NFL career may have surprised some, the success he has had over the last three weeks proves that the Bears are headed in the right direction at the quarterback position.
Another offseason decision that was questioned at the start of the season was the Bears’ decision to make running back D’Andre Swift a priority free-agent signing. Swift looked like a disaster signing through the first three weeks of the season but has dramatically turned his production around during the Bears’ winning streak.
It should be no surprise that Swift’s turnaround arrived at the same time that Shane Waldron adjusted his offensive scheme. The Bears were extremely pass-heavy to open the season, and when they elected to run Swift, it was often on interior runs between the offensive line. Swift was also rarely used in the passing game to open the season.
D’Andre Swift has emerged as the playmaker the Chicago Bears knew he was.
For as much as fans wanted to point to the fact that Khalil Herbert had the same yards per carry last season that Swift had with the Philadelphia Eagles, the fact is Herbert does not have the ability to make plays on the outside that Swift has.
That is why Waldron deserves some praise for how he has adapted to using Swift. Swift is still a factor on outside zone runs, but his biggest impact is now being felt as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. For runs between the offensive tackles, Waldron has turned to Roschon Johnson.
With the combination of Swift and Johnson, the Bears have found their own version of the success that the Detroit Lions have had with their two running backs in recent seasons.
Wide receiver splashes reinforce Commanders GM Adam Peters’ genius
The Washington Commanders are in good hands with general manager Adam Peters. Josh Harris’ ownership group and their advisors identified him as the primary target for the role and were left in no doubt following the interview process. He’s done nothing to diminish this confidence since taking the job.
Peters instantly underwent a significant roster overhaul. He improved the infrastructure in the front office and got everyone on the same page through a collaborative, cohesive operation with no leaks emerging from the building. It took some adapting for media and fans who weren’t used to this previously. But it’s a refreshing change of pace all the same.
It was a wild Tuesday around the NFL, which centered on two bombshell trade deals. All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams was shipped to the New York Jets for an expected reunion with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Just a few short hours later, the Buffalo Bills secured a deal with the Cleveland Browns for Pro Bowl pass-catcher Amari Cooper.
