The aptly named Swift peaked at 20.37 mph in a Week 2 game against the Minnesota Vikings last season, according to Next Gen Stats, and finished with a half-dozen runs of 20-plus yards. In his fourth NFL season, he also earned his first Pro Bowl selection, having rushed for 1,049 yards on 229 carries (4.6 yards per carry) with an additional 214 yards on 39 receptions. It was his first 1,000-yard season and had career-highs in yards, carries, first downs (50) and yards per game (65.6) by nearly 20 yards.
In offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s system, Swift is now one of a number of threats anticipating targets from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, along with wide receivers DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze and tight end Cole Kmet.
“I feel like we have a lot of things in this offense to get the ball to our playmakers,” Swift said.
While there are a lot of hands to feed, Eberflus anticipates Swift will see a lot of carries and targets.
“D’Andre has looked really good this offseason,” the third-year coach said. “Obviously, as you guys know, he’s very quick, he’s a weapon out of the backfield, which is great for our passing game and will create some mismatches for us. He can do a lot of things out of the backfield, we can split him up and get him open and go all the way up the tree. of routes, so it’s exciting to see.
Although he’s the lead running back, Swift doesn’t anticipate being a workhorse with Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson also in the RB room, nor does he think that’s the best approach.
“Whatever they think is right for me. That’s how I’ve always been,” Swift said when asked what percentage of carries he expected to see. “Nowadays you need that kind of 1-2, 2-3, you need multiple guys. It’s a long season and a lot of games are played. You need that multiple running back system as far as the season goes, keep guys fresh.” .
The 25-year-old running back’s legs were pretty fresh last year for Philadelphia. Although the Eagles stumbled down the stretch, they still made the playoffs, marking Swift’s initial postseason opportunity.
Set for his fourth season as a member of the NFC North, Swift believes the division is wide open and another trip to the playoffs could be on the horizon for him.
“I feel like the division is on the line, that’s how I’m going to look at it,” he said.
Of course, playing with the Bears and in the NFC North gives Swift the opportunity to play against the Lions for the first time. Despite a smile, Swift downplayed any anticipation of facing his former team when asked Friday.
“Another team. That’s how I’m going to look at it,” he said. “I’m not going to say much about it. It’s just another team, that’s all.”
However, the Bears are counting on Swift not being just another running back.
They’re anticipating big plays out of the backfield as part of a new Chicago offense.
Swift is excited about the prospects but is realistic in her approach as it’s a whole new ball game on that side of the ball.
“It’s a complete offense, but it’s going to take work,” he said. “It’s a new offense, we’re all new here. The coaching staff is new. The quarterback is a rookie. So it’s going to be a learning experience for everyone, but I’m confident in the group we have.”
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