Chicago Bears Reportedly Leaning Towards Big Lineup Change

Things on offense aren't clicking for the Chicago Bears. Justin Fields still hasn't taken another positive step. If anything, he's regressed. Even their bread and butter from last year, the running game, isn't working either. They're 22nd in rushing through two games. Part of that is Fields' sudden unwillingness to carry the ball himself. Another part is a lack of consistency from their running backs. Khalil Herbert is averaging only 3.9 yards per rush attempt. After a forgettable opener, veteran addition D'Onta Foreman was a healthy scratch last week.

This might explain an interesting update from ESPN insider Dan Graziano. He has it on pretty good authority that a lineup shift might be coming in the near future.

"As for that run game, don't be surprised to see rookie Roschon Johnson emerge as the primary back before long. The Bears came out of camp feeling like he might be the most complete RB (in terms of usage in the passing game and the run game) of the group that includes Khalil Herbert and D'Onta Foreman."

The buzz on Roschon Johnson began right after he was drafted. A 4th round pick from Texas, many evaluators felt he was highly underrated because he played behind superstar Bijan Robinson. Some predicted he would claim the starting job in Chicago before 2023 was over. This revelation suggests they were right. Johnson is averaging 5.8 yards per carry, is second on the team in receptions (8), and hasn't allowed a single pressure in eight pass-blocking snaps.

The Chicago Bears need to give the kid the rock.

With all due respect to Herbert, he was never meant to be the primary back. One of the reasons the Bears running game worked last year was that they had David Montgomery handling the primary workload. Then Herbert would come in on limited snaps when defenses had been somewhat worn down. He is trying to play the Montgomery role, and it's not working. Johnson is far better suited for that. He's bigger, stronger, and has the contact balance to fight through tackle attempts.

His versatility is the biggest selling point. The Chicago Bears never have to take him off the field, regardless of the plays they call. He can run, he can catch, and he can block. It was one of the biggest things that made him so appealing. Kudos must go to GM Ryan Poles and the front office for landing him. Seeing a rookie contribute this much so early in his career is never a bad sign. The only question now is how much longer the team waits before giving him the green light.