{'byline': 'by Chris Emma', 'hosts': '', 'byline_sources': '670 The Score', 'audience_id': '', 'original_station': [{'station': 'thescorechicago', 'path': 'thescorechicago/sports/chicago-bears/bears-move-forward-with-dandre-swift-leading-backfield'}], 'syndicated_items': [{'station': 'wbbm780', 'path': '/wbbm780/sports/chicago-bears/bears-move-forward-with-dandre-swift-leading-backfield'}], 'original_item': {'_index': 'published-content_v44', '_type': '_doc', '_score': None, '_source': {'date': '2025-06-16T14:27:31.876Z', 'lead': [{'data': {'title': "Clay Harbor: Opponents don't game plan around Montez Sweat", 'thumbnail_url': 'https://s1.dmcdn.net/v/YZ17M1eHryLItSEx7', 'id': 'x9l2y1i', 'created_time': 1749501029, 'mode': 'vod', 'private_id': 'k1cumuQK6J2IWjDdXIW', 'owner': 'x2yitem', 'description': '', 'channel': 'sport', 'tags': ['Chicago Bears', 'Montez Sweat'], 'private': False, 'addPublic': True}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/dailymotion/instances/cmbz559g30031357s0wmt3adx@published'}], 'slug': 'bears-move-forward-with-dandre-swift-leading-backfield', 'tags': ['Chicago Bears', "D'Andre Swift", 'NFL'], 'feeds': {'msn': True, 'rss': True, 'postup': True, 'facebook': True, 'newsfeed': True, 'sitemaps': True, 'frequency': True, 'smartNews': True, 'apple-news': False, 'smart-news': True, 'most-popular': True, 'reversechron': True, 'google-news-feed': True}, 'hosts': [], 'adTags': {'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/ad-tags/instances/cmbz524p5000a01s7l5kp61kf@published'}, 'byline': [{'names': [{'name': 'Chris Emma', 'text': 'Chris Emma', 'slug': 'chris-emma'}], 'sources': [{'text': '670 The Score'}], 'hosts': [], 'prefix': 'by'}], 'teaser': 'After an offseason evaluation, Bears move forward with D’Andre Swift leading their backfield', 'authors': ['Chris Emma'], 'content': [{'data': {'text': '<strong>(670 The Score)</strong>\xa0In the past 16\xa0months, the Bears\xa0have carefully explored their options at running back.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmbz524p5000e01s7ijuu9cp3@published'}, {'data': {'text': '<iframe width="100%" height="165px" frameborder="0" src="https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?&amp;feed-link=https%3A%2F%2Frss.amperwave.net%2Fv2%2Fepisode%2F7470555_2025-06-13-144655&amp;withPlaylist=false&amp;playerDisplay-logoType=Audacy" allow="clipboard-write"></iframe>', 'isIframe': True, 'componentVariation': 'html-embed', 'fbInstantArticleHtml': '<iframe width="100%" height="165px" frameborder="0" src="https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?&amp;feed-link=https%3A%2F%2Frss.amperwave.net%2Fv2%2Fepisode%2F7470555_2025-06-13-144655&amp;withPlaylist=false&amp;playerDisplay-logoType=Audacy" allow="clipboard-write"></iframe>'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/html-embed/instances/cmbz5kypl000v357sjkmdkmxe@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'They passed on potential pursuits of Saquon Barkley, Josh\xa0Jacobs\xa0and Derrick Henry in March 2024, instead signing D’Andre Swift to a three-year deal. This past March, they sat out a stale running back market in free agency while waiting for the NFL Draft, where the likes of Ashton Jeanty, TreVeyon Henderson and Cam Skattebo were selected a few picks before the Bears were on the clock in various rounds.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmbz52g5l000z357sevw09zqe@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'Now, the Bears are set to enter training camp in late July with Swift,\xa0third-year pro\xa0Roschon\xa0Johnson and seventh-round pick Kyle\xa0Monangai\xa0in their backfield. A veteran addition of significance appears unlikely after Nick Chubb signed with the Texans and J.K. Dobbins joined the Broncos.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmbz52g5l0010357s0rv8r6sf@published'}, {'data': {'text': "That leaves the 26-year-old Swift as the Bears’ feature back following a disappointing season in which he averaged 3.7 yards per carry. With new head coach Ben Johnson leading the Bears, there were initially questions about Swift's fit with the team. The Lions traded Swift to the Eagles in 2023 after Swift had a limited role in Detroit's offense in 2022, when Johnson served as the team's offensive coordinator.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmbz52g5m0011357smnqa41av@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'For his part, Swift is\xa0eager to put 2024 in the past and produce at a higher level this season.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmbz52g5m0012357syoxyujjo@published'}, {'data': {'text': "“We won (five) games last year,” Swift said during veteran minicamp. “So, everything is under a microscope when you\xa0don’t\xa0have team success. I'm being\xa0very critical\xa0about how I played last year. Excited about this year.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmbz52g5m0013357sy58dgca3@published'}, {'data': {'text': "“Another opportunity,\xa0first and foremost. With everybody new, the coaching staff, the culture that has changed. You can tell Ben has done a hell of a job so far, day in and day out. Everything he's doing is for the better of this organization and this city.&quot;", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmbz52g5m0014357st74z79m6@published'}, {'data': {'text': "The Bears ranked 25th in the NFL with 102.0 rushing yards per game in 2024. Privately, they've been confident in Swift rebounding this season. Chicago’s offensive line will feature three new starters in the interior – left guard Joe Thuney, center Drew Dalman and right guard Jonah Jackson – which should create better rushing lanes\xa0inside the tackles.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmbz52g5m0015357sur4iarr6@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'The Bears are also hopeful that the turnover on their coaching staff will benefit Swift and their other running backs. New running backs coach Eric\xa0Bieniemy will be tasked with getting the most out of Swift.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmbz52g5m0016357spqtnsebe@published'}, {'data': {'text': '“His style of coaching is something I kind of gravitate to,” Swift said. “Holding everybody accountable and saying that the big stuff is the little stuff.\xa0He’s\xa0the type of coach you want to play for. He\xa0isn’t\xa0going to let anything go by the wayside, just like Ben and everybody else on the staff. You feel like you\xa0have to\xa0turn your level up as well.”', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmbz52g5m0017357spnmhcfxn@published'}, {'data': {'text': "While their previous union didn't last long in Detroit, Johnson offered a strong endorsement of Swift as Chicago's running back back in February, shortly after he was hired. Johnson has\xa0remained\xa0confident in Swift throughout this offseason program.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmbz52g5m0019357sdn6n9kd1@published'}, {'data': {'text': '“He is a fierce competitor,” Johnson said. “And\xa0that’s\xa0what I love about him. When the lights are bright,\xa0you’re\xa0going to know exactly what\xa0you’re\xa0going to get. If you tell him that\xa0you’re\xa0going to need one yard, four yards,\xa0he’s\xa0going to find a way to put his shoulder down and move the pile and get that done for you.”', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmbz52g5m001a357s1in0r019@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'Part of Johnson’s job will be\xa0utilizing\xa0the Bears’ running backs in\xa0appropriate roles, an element that was missing under the direction of former head coach Matt\xa0Eberflus\xa0and former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron in 2024.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmbz52g5m001b357shcuyptmv@published'}, {'data': {'text': "During a critical, now-infamous goal-to-go sequence last September in Indianapolis, Waldron called running back Khalil Herbert's number three times in a row even though he isn't a short-yardage back. On fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, the Bears then ran a pitch play to Swift on the edge that resulted in a 12-yard loss in an eventual 21-16 loss.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmbz52g5m001c357sk6k87ujk@published'}, {'data': {'text': "The better idea would've been to utilize Johnson, the team’s top\xa0short-yardage\xa0back. Johnson rushed just 55 times for\xa0150 yards (2.7 yards per carry) in 2024.\xa0The rookie\xa0Monangai\xa0has also earned the reputation as a tough runner and could compete with Johnson for those carries this season.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmbz52g5m001d357s04jg6y4u@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'The Bears’ running back group also features veteran Travis Homer, a key special teams player, along with Ian Wheeler and Deion Hankins.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmbz52g5m001e357s315sob0k@published'}, {'data': {'text': 'The group\xa0remains\xa0mostly the same as last season, but the Bears are hopeful to see\xa0much more out of their backfield\xa0in\xa02025.', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmbz52g5m001f357s42vxu040@published'}, {'data': {'text': "&quot;The little stuff is big – details, tracks, how Ben wants it\xa0has to\xa0be to a T,” Swift said. “That's the stuff that\xa0we're\xa0working on, not just running backs, but the offense. All the things I hear him saying in meetings,\xa0it's\xa0little stuff, but\xa0it's\xa0big things\xa0in this offense because it matters.", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmbz52g5m001g357sys5xt8kg@published'}, {'data': {'text': "“You're just trying to get better at something.&quot;", '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmbz52g5m001h357sx1n09327@published'}, {'data': {'text': '<em>Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter\xa0</em><a href="http://twitter.com/cemma670"><em>@CEmma670</em></a><em>.</em>', '_version': 2, 'componentVariation': 'paragraph'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/paragraph/instances/cmbz536f30022357s2ysbrjkg@published'}], 'feedImg': {'data': {'alt': "Bears running back D'Andre Swift", 'url': 'https://images.radio.com/aiu-media/USATSI25005542-cd73cb89-1c64-4d15-9d48-b9eaa7452f53.jpg', 'width': 6579, 'credit': 'Jeffrey Becker/Imagn Images', 'height': 4386, 'mimeType': 'image/jpeg', 'sizeInBytes': '2987293', 'componentVariation': 'feed-image'}, 'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/feed-image/instances/cmbz524p5000b01s7g102n6ns@published'}, 'sources': [{'text': '670 The Score'}], '_version': 24, 'featured': False, 'headline': "After an offseason evaluation, Bears move forward with D'Andre Swift leading their backfield", 'msnTitle': "After an offseason evaluation, Bears move forward with D'Andre Swift leading their backfield", 'slugLock': True, 'textTags': ['Chicago Bears', "D'Andre Swift", 'NFL'], '_msnTitle': {'shouldOverride': False}, 'apContent': None, 'isOpinion': False, 'pageTitle': 'Bears move forward with D’Andre Swift leading the backfield', 'sideShare': {'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/share/instances/cmbz524p5000c01s7b9yjr0o5@published'}, 'feedImgUrl': 'https://images.radio.com/aiu-media/USATSI25005542-cd73cb89-1c64-4d15-9d48-b9eaa7452f53.jpg', 'feedLayout': 'small', 'showSocial': True, 'stationURL': 'https://www.audacy.com/thescorechicago', 'breadcrumbs': [{'hidden': False, 'text': '670 The Score', 'url': '//www.audacy.com/thescorechicago'}, {'hidden': False, 'text': 'Sports', 'url': '//www.audacy.com/thescorechicago/sports'}, {'hidden': False, 'text': 'Chicago Bears', 'isLastVisibleDivider': True, 'url': '//www.audacy.com/thescorechicago/sports/chicago-bears'}, {'hidden': True, 'text': "After an offseason evaluation, Bears move forward with D'Andre Swift leading their backfield", 'url': '//www.audacy.com/thescorechicago/sports/chicago-bears/bears-move-forward-with-dandre-swift-leading-backfield'}], 'contentType': 'article', 'seoHeadline': 'Bears move forward with D’Andre Swift leading the backfield', 'stationName': '670 The Score', 'stationSlug': 'thescorechicago', 'dateModified': '2025-06-16T15:07:36.932Z', 'featuredNews': False, 'sectionFront': 'sports', 'evergreenSlug': None, 'fullWidthLead': False, 'shortHeadline': "After an offseason evaluation, Bears move forward with D'Andre Swift leading their backfield", 'syndicatedUrl': None, 'unityPageType': 'article', 'featuredSports': True, 'msnTitleLength': 92, 'seoDescription': 'The Bears ranked 25th in the NFL in rushing yards per game in 2024, but they’re confident that lead back D’Andre Swift will have a bounce-back season behind a revamped offensive line.', 'stationLogoUrl': 'https://images.radio.com/aiu-media/EmmaChris001-8afe9585-8942-40c3-9602-0ddbd4c38dbb.jpg', 'isContentFromAP': False, 'noIndexNoFollow': False, 'pageDescription': 'The Bears ranked 25th in the NFL in rushing yards per game in 2024, but they’re confident that lead back D’Andre Swift will have a bounce-back season behind a revamped offensive line.', 'primaryHeadline': "After an offseason evaluation, Bears move forward with D'Andre Swift leading their backfield", 'stationCallsign': 'WSCRAM', 'stationTimezone': 'CT', 'manualSlugUnlock': False, 'socialDescription': 'After an offseason evaluation, Bears move forward with D’Andre Swift leading their backfield', 'syndicationStatus': 'original', 'componentVariation': 'article', 'stationSyndication': [{'sectionFront': 'sports', 'callsign': 'WBBMAM', 'stationSlug': 'wbbm780', 'stationName': 'WBBM Newsradio 780 AM & 105.9 FM', 'secondarySectionFront': 'chicago bears', 'source': 'content subscription', 'syndicatedArticleSlug': '/wbbm780/sports/chicago-bears/bears-move-forward-with-dandre-swift-leading-backfield'}], 'hasSecondaryBylines': False, 'rollingStandoutCount': 0, 'secondarySectionFront': 'chicago bears', 'contentPageSponsorLogo': {'original_ref': 'www.audacy.com/_components/google-ad-manager/instances/cmbz524p5000d01s7allsohic@published'}, 'displayLogoSponsorship': False, 'plaintextShortHeadline': "After an offseason evaluation, Bears move forward with D'Andre Swift leading their backfield", '_opinionHeadlineOverride': {'shouldOverride': False}, 'plaintextPrimaryHeadline': "After an offseason evaluation, Bears move forward with D'Andre Swift leading their backfield", 'canBeMarkedGoogleStandout': True, 'isContentFromNoIndexByline': False, 'availableStandoutArticleInventory': True, 'articleWithinGoogleStandoutPublishDateLimit': True, 'canonicalUrl': 'http://www.audacy.com/thescorechicago/sports/chicago-bears/bears-move-forward-with-dandre-swift-leading-backfield', 'site': 'demo', 'isAddedToNewsletter': True}, 'sort': [5854827], 'stationSlug': 'wbbm780', 'original_id': 'www.audacy.com/_components/article/instances/cmbz524p5000f01s7fqomq4kj@published'}}