Why Ben Johnson, Caleb Williams Say Run Game Defined Bears' Win vs. Panthers

After the Chicago Bears' dominant 59-37 victory over the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, Bears head coach Ben Johnson gave out some game balls for the team's Week 1 performance. 

Johnson gave the first ball to rookie safety Dillon Thieneman. A second game ball went to the Bears' offensive line, which paved the way for a 291-yard performance on the ground. The third ball went to running back D'Andre Swift for his 124 rushing yards and three touchdowns. 

"Alright the last one we got, he had 124 on the ground, three touchdowns, and a brand new fxxxxxx contract," Johnson said. "Swifty, where you at?"

Swift and the Bears agreed to a three-year, $33.75 million contract extension on Saturday, locking down the veteran running back through the 2029 season. 

"We worked too hard fellas," Swift said. "Let the work show week in and week out. I'm proud of y'all."

When Johnson provided his recap of the game during his postgame press conference, he admitted that he didn't think he called a good game in the first half and credited his players for making plays. He also highlighted quarterback Caleb Williams, who completed 21 of 29 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. The third-year quarterback also ran for 65 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries. 

But the Bears' stat sheet led the Bears' head coach to one specific area of the offense. 

"The story of the game ended up being the rushing, and so offensive line, shout-out to them, but it was collective with the tight ends, the receivers were blocking their tails off as well and Swifty and [Kyle] Monangai both were able to do a really good job there. Caleb added quite a bit with his feet also." 

The Bears' quarterback was also impressed by the offense's run game. The Bears scored eight touchdowns and finished with 552 yards of total offense. Williams was asked for his favorite play from the dominant performance. It was fitting that he choice Monangai's 61-yard touchdown run at the end of the third quarter. 

The offensive line moved the Panthers' defensive front. Tight end Cole Kmet sealed the edge. Wide receivers Luther Burden III, Kalif Raymond and Jahdae Walker all made key blocks to help unleash Monangai in the open field, and he outran everyone to the end zone. 

"It was a big moment for us," Williams said. "It was a momentum swinger for us. You know, that's a crushing thing when you're in that situation or midfield and you get a downhill run that goes for 50, and so probably that one. ... I think that play specifically is who we want to be. O-line we want to move people off the ball. You know, wide receivers want to be able to block at the point of attack. I think they did that, moving guys around and then allow Kyle to make the cut and go vertically. And then obviously at the end, second effort at the end, Jahdae [Walker] with three people chasing, you know, he kind of blocked all three at that point. So, I think that was probably my favorite play of the day." 

Williams described Swift as a golden star, someone who can do everything for the Bears' offense: run, catch, block and create explosive plays. 

Although Swift had a big day against the Panthers, he doesn't like to take all the credit. He will always find ways to compliment his offensive line. That's his personality. That same grounded mindset extends to his business off the field. Swift didn't view his new contract extension as validation for what he can do, but rather his internal motivation is what drives the veteran running back to push for me.

"I feel like I'm just getting started, man," Swift said. "Just grateful to be able to keep going with these guys. My mindset wasn't going to change whether it was something done or not. You know what I mean? I got something to prove every day I wake up."