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Bears vs. Buccaneers: Why D’Andre Swift Is Chicago’s Week 9 X-Factor
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- Bears vs. Buccaneers: Why D’Andre Swift Is Chicago’s Week 9 X-Factor
When the Chicago Bears take the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they'll be facing an elite defense . Chicago just handled Seattle's talented defense in a lopsided win, but this Tampa Bay group shouldn't be underestimated. Head coach Todd Bowles has had his defense playing well against excellent offenses all season.
The Bears will need all hands on deck again. On Monday night in Seattle, they got several critical performances that put them in position to win in a brutal road environment. This week, they need one big name to deliver: D'Andre Swift . He has answered the bell before, and this week is an even more important one for him to come through.
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Swift Needs a Big Game to Keep the Buccaneers' Defense Honest
Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Chicago's running game has missed Kyle Monangai . He and Swift formed an excellent duo early in the season, when the Bears averaged 196 rushing yards per game. Since Monangai's injury, the ground attack hasn't been the same. That's why Swift needs a big game this week. He has to keep the Buccaneers' defense on its toes.
Swift can make plays as both a ball carrier and a pass catcher out of the backfield. Tampa Bay has one of the NFL's top-ranked run defenses, and it will want to make Chicago a one-dimensional offense. That would play right into the hands of Bowles' unit. Swift can prevent that by staying effective in both phases of his game, and he can do it without a 200-yard rushing night.
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Oct 18, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (4) runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
His receiving ability could serve as an extension of the run game. Bears head coach Ben Johnson is one of the best at getting his personnel to win on the edge, and Swift fits that bill. He could see plenty of targets on swings, flats, screens and other quick concepts. His ability to stretch run lanes and create yards after contact is also a big part of the equation.
Swift has forced 25 missed tackles this season, and that could play a pivotal role against this stout Buccaneers defense. He can't win this game by himself. A strong night from him would still go a long way toward a Bears victory.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
