A New Era Begins in Chicago
As the Chicago Bears open rookie minicamp, much attention is focused on the debut of first-year head coach Ben Johnson. However, he is not the only notable figure on the Bears’ revamped coaching staff.
In building his staff, Johnson sought experienced voices who could support him through the transition into head coaching. One of the most significant hires was running backs coach Eric Bieniemy. After a short stint back in the college ranks, Bieniemy returns to the NFL, poised to help Johnson establish a potent ground attack in Chicago.
Bieniemy’s Immediate Impact
From day one of rookie minicamp, Bieniemy’s influence was evident. His presence and involvement were noticeable, as reported by Nicholas Moreano of Bear Goggles On. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we see an uptick from the entire RB group just because of Bieniemy,” Moreano wrote.
Bieniemy, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, left the team following the 2022 season. Since then, he has been working to replicate that level of success in other roles without much luck. His new challenge in Chicago presents a demanding task, but one that comes with increased support.
Reinforcements Up Front
To aid the ground game, the Bears have significantly strengthened their offensive line. The additions of guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, along with center Drew Dalman, are expected to create more opportunities for running backs. However, for the offense to thrive, D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson must elevate their performance.
Swift led the team in carries during his first season in Chicago, recording a career-high 253 attempts for 959 yards and six touchdowns. Yet, his 3.8 yards per carry leaves much to be desired. If Swift is to maintain his position as RB1 under Johnson, he will need to become more efficient and explosive with each touch.
Depth and Development in the Backfield
Roschon Johnson showed potential as a goal-line option, matching Swift’s six touchdowns. However, he managed only 55 carries for 150 yards in total. General manager Ryan Poles has praised Johnson, possibly hinting at a larger role in the future. To seize that opportunity, Johnson will need a significant breakout.
The Bears also drafted Kyle Monangai in the seventh round, and he will be aiming to impress during rookie minicamp. Meanwhile, Chicago is expected to monitor the market for additional running back options as other teams trim rosters during training camp. For now, the Bears’ backfield remains a work in progress.
A Struggling Ground Game in Need of Revival
In 2024, the Bears finished 25th in total rushing, averaging only 102 yards per game. With Bieniemy now in the fold, he will be expected to reinvigorate a stagnant rushing attack. The run game played a key role in Johnson’s previous success with the Detroit Lions, and replicating that in Chicago will be a top priority.
Though it’s early in the offseason, Bieniemy’s commitment to his role is already apparent. He aligns with Johnson’s vision for the team and is determined to maximize the potential of every running back the Bears bring in.
