D’Andre Swift’s playing time and usage took a hit in the first week with a new offensive coordinator. This dip is notable as he saw a decrease from his season-long average of 64% snaps to 57%. In Thomas Brown’s first week, Swift had 15 opportunities compared to Roschon Johnson’s 11, although his playing time didn't show as significant a drop. Swift still performed well with a 39-yard touchdown run and 84 total yards. The Bears’ offense seemed to improve, but Roschon Johnson, who was somewhat forgotten in the previous month, is now contributing significantly. As the new OC puts things on tape, the NFL may adjust and affect the Bears’ offense. There is some concern about Swift’s role moving forward.
Swift's Snap Reduction and Johnson's Rise in Usage
Swift's Performance in the First Week
D’Andre Swift had a decent game despite the reduced usage. His 39-yard touchdown run showed his explosive ability. He accumulated 84 total yards, indicating his potential even with less opportunity. This shows that he can still make an impact when given the chance. However, the dip in usage raises questions about his future role in the team.The Bears’ offense looked better than in the previous few weeks, which could be attributed to various factors. But the fact remains that Swift’s playing time and opportunities have changed. It will be interesting to see how he adapts and if he can regain his previous status.Johnson's Emergence
Roschon Johnson, who was relatively forgotten in the past month, has now become a significant contributor. With 11 opportunities in the first week, he is showing that he can handle the increased playing time. His performance might lead to more opportunities in the future and could potentially change the team's offensive dynamics.It's important to note that Johnson's rise is happening in the context of a coordinator change. This could be a sign of things to come for both players as the team adjusts to the new offensive system.Future Outlook
The dip in D’Andre Swift’s usage and the rise of Roschon Johnson present an interesting situation for the Bears. It remains to be seen how the team will balance their playing time and usage in the coming weeks. If the new offensive coordinator continues to make changes, it could have a significant impact on both players.Swift will need to work hard to regain his previous level of playing time and usage. Johnson, on the other hand, will need to prove that he can sustain his current level of performance. The Bears’ offense will likely continue to evolve as they adapt to the new coaching staff.Chiefs Wide Receivers and Their Playing TimeIn this game, the Chiefs wide receivers had a rather chaotic situation. No wide receiver played more than 58% of the snaps. DeAndre Hopkins, the “big name” trade target, was playing less than 50% of the snaps and was outsnapped by Justin Watson. This is his third game with the team, and the “being new” excuse doesn't hold much weight anymore.The Chiefs spread the ball around extensively, with 11 players receiving at least one target even though Patrick Mahomes only threw the ball 33 times. The target leader was Noah Gray, the backup tight end, who scored two touchdowns. This shows that the offense is not focused on individual wide receivers but rather on a more balanced approach.The well-known, veteran wide receivers performed poorly. Hopkins was three for 29, and Smith-Schuster was one for eight. This is a far cry from their expected performances. The Chiefs haven't been spectacular on offense in general, and outside of the RB1 (currently Kareem Hunt or soon back to Pacheco) and Kelce, it's not clear which wide receiver to start. Not even Mahomes is a sure auto-start these days. Chiefs WRs' Snap Distribution and Performance
The Snap Distribution Dilemma
The fact that no Chiefs wide receiver played a significant majority of the snaps is a clear indication of the team's offensive strategy. Spreading the ball around might be a way to keep defenses on their toes, but it also makes it difficult for individual wide receivers to establish a consistent role.This lack of a dominant wide receiver could be a problem in the long run, as it makes it hard to rely on any one player. The team needs to find a way to balance the distribution and give more opportunities to their key wide receivers.Performance of Veteran Wide Receivers
The veteran wide receivers like Hopkins and Smith-Schuster have not lived up to expectations. Hopkins, with his experience and reputation, was expected to perform better. His three catches for 29 yards were disappointing, and it raises questions about his ability to adapt to the Chiefs’ offense.Smith-Schuster also had a poor game, with only one catch for eight yards. This shows that even veteran players can struggle when the team's offense is not working well. It will be interesting to see how they bounce back in the future.Impact on the Offense
The poor performance of the wide receivers and the spread-out offense have a significant impact on the Chiefs’ overall performance. Without a dominant wide receiver, the offense lacks a clear focal point. This can make it difficult for the team to consistently move the ball down the field.It also affects the fantasy value of the wide receivers. With so many players getting limited opportunities, it's hard to rely on any one of them in fantasy leagues. The Chiefs need to find a way to improve the performance of their wide receivers and create more consistent scoring opportunities.Broncos' Backfield and the Role ReversalShaun Payton's decision to pull the rug out from under fantasy football owners who spent big on Audric Estime was a shock. In a complete role reversal from last week, Javonte Williams doubled Estime's playing time and had five more opportunities. This was a significant change for both players.The playing time disparity was more pronounced than the actual opportunities. Williams had nine carries and five targets, while Estime had six carries and three targets. Even in a blowout game, Williams received the first carry and scored the only rushing touchdown. Estime only had one carry and one target in the first half.If the game had been closer, Williams' backfield lead might have been even more lopsided. Estime didn't fumble and didn't have any terrible pass protection breakdowns, but his limited playing time raises questions about his role in the team.At the moment, the Broncos’ backfield is a complete unknown. It's unclear which player will emerge as the lead back or how the playing time will be distributed in the future. Broncos Backfield's Uncertainty and Role Reversal
The Role Reversal Explained
The sudden change in the Broncos’ backfield can be attributed to Shaun Payton's coaching decisions. Williams, who was on the waiver wire, suddenly became a key player with increased playing time. Estime, who was highly regarded by some fantasy owners, saw his role significantly reduced.This role reversal shows the unpredictability of the NFL and how coaching decisions can quickly change a player's status. It will be interesting to see how the team continues to manage the backfield in the future.Evaluating the Players
Javonte Williams showed his ability to perform when given the opportunity. His first carry and touchdown highlight his potential as a lead back. However, he also needs to prove that he can maintain this level of performance over a longer period.Audric Estime, on the other hand, has shown that he can handle limited playing time without making major mistakes. His lack of fumbles and pass protection issues give him some value, but his limited opportunities make it difficult to rely on him.Uncertainty and the Future
The uncertainty in the Broncos’ backfield makes it difficult for fantasy owners and coaches to make decisions. It's unclear which player will emerge as the lead back or how the playing time will be divided.Both Williams and Estime have their strengths and weaknesses, and it will be a matter of seeing how they perform in the coming weeks. Until then, the Broncos’ backfield remains a mystery.Eric Saubert and the Replacement for George KittleEric Saubert was named George Kittle's replacement, but it quickly became clear that there is no true replacement for Kittle. Despite playing almost every snap, Saubert only had a single target and managed to gain seven yards. This is a far cry from Kittle's TE1 pace.Instead, the offense in San Fran focused on CMC and Jauan Jennings. Jennings is the exciting player who can be inserted into fantasy lineups. Saubert, on the other hand, doesn't offer the same value.Kittle is expected to return soon, but if he misses more time, it might be necessary to look elsewhere for a TE fill-in. Players like Jonnu Smith could provide a better option in the meantime. Saubert's Inability to Replace Kittle
Saubert's Performance as a Replacement
Eric Saubert's performance as George Kittle's replacement was underwhelming. Playing a significant amount of snaps but only having one target shows that he is not able to fill Kittle's shoes. His lack of production raises questions about his role in the team's offense.It's clear that Kittle brings a unique skill set to the team that Saubert has not been able to replicate. The offense seems to function better with Kittle on the field, and his absence is felt.Alternative Options
With Kittle expected to return soon, it's important to have alternative options at the tight end position. Players like Jonnu Smith offer more potential and could provide a better fill-in if Kittle is out for an extended period.Fantasy owners need to be aware of these alternatives and be prepared to make changes to their lineups if Kittle is unable to play. The search for a reliable tight end continues in San Fran.The Importance of Kittle
George Kittle's absence has had a noticeable impact on the San Fran offense. His ability to make plays and create opportunities for the team is irreplaceable. Even with Saubert playing a lot of snaps, the offense has not been the same without Kittle.When Kittle returns, he will likely resume his dominant role and help the team's offense regain its form. Until then, the team will need to rely on other players to fill the void.
