The Chicago Bears are a team filling headlines with their new additions. The acquisitions of Keenan Allen, D’Andre Swift, Caleb Williams, and Rome Odunze have encouraged some to predict a rise from the Bears in 2024. However, one analyst believes a diamond might have been on the team before any of their arrivals.
Writing for Bleacher Report , NFL Analyst Joe Tansey predicted that the team’s running back room could net the team one or two more wins this season, naming Roschon Johnson as a possible breakout candidate.
“Chicago needs to beat teams in multiple ways, and if a Swift-Johnson running back pairing is thriving, it may win one or two more games than expected,” Tansey wrote.
Of course, running backs have become one of the least heavily invested in positions in football.
Once upon a time, backs used to be the engine of their team’s offense. However, now most clubs believe that an offensive line creates the petri dish for a successful running back to grow. Meaning, if the Bears have a quality offensive line performance this year, they’ll find success no matter who is standing in the backfield.
That said, it also doesn’t hurt to have a quality running back who can avoid fumbling the football (see: Melvin Gordon III with the Denver Broncos.) If Johnson can do this and get great offensive line blocks, he can thrive.
A look at Johnson’s rookie production leads one to believe that Tansey saw something he liked on tape, as the Bears running back earned less than 400 yards and two touchdowns in his only NFL season in 2023. If he has a repeat performance in 2024, it will be a disappointment.
Roschon Johnson enters training camp as sophomore underdog for starting role
However, with his rookie season now under his belt, Johnson has a shot to see a jump this year with a greater understanding of the NFL world. If he took the off-season seriously and aimed to improve his processes and techniques, he has a shot to hit a new level this season.
As it stands, Johnson appears to have a ceiling of being the Robin to Swift’s Batman. In other words, he appears to be the frontrunner for the backup spot on the team, per ESPN’s depth chart.
Swift will be coasting on his status as the shiny new toy for the team and coming off a 1000-yard season, so there is little reason to believe that there could be an upset.
Still, Johnson likely is entering training camp under the notion that he will become the team’s top back. Such a turn of events would be stunning, but nothing can be ruled out in the NFL.
Will Johnson be the surprise few are expecting following a sea of added talent?
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here . Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network .
The post Bears’ Intriguing Young Playmaker Named Top Breakout Candidate appeared first on NFL Analysis Network .
Local Chicago, IL
Most Popular
Comments / 0