Kyle Monangai’s strong running performance and Tyson Bagent’s solid passing helped the Chicago Bears secure a 23-12 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday at Soldier Field. The Bears improved to 3-1 on the season, while the Jets dropped to 1-3 following their third consecutive loss.
Monangai carried the ball 30 times for a career-high 146 yards and two touchdowns, anchoring a Bears ground attack that totaled 232 rushing yards. His power running was particularly evident during a crucial final possession when he logged nine carries on an 18-play, 76-yard drive that consumed the remaining 9 minutes and 16 seconds of the game. This ball-control drive effectively sealed the win and limited the Jets’ defensive opportunities in the closing moments. Monangai exited the game late with a thumb injury, which he planned to have evaluated.
Starting running back D’Andre Swift saw limited action after losing a fumble in the third quarter and did not return to the field. Head coach Ben Johnson clarified that Swift's removal was a strategic decision rather than injury-related. Johnson praised Monangai’s effort on the ground, emphasizing the running back’s impactful stiff-arm moves and ability to find openings, which energized the offense and helped maintain possession for over 42 minutes—Chicago’s highest time of possession in a non-overtime game since 1994.
Bagent, filling in for the injured starter Caleb Williams, completed 25 of 34 passes for 268 yards. He efficiently managed the offense and connected frequently with wide receiver Rome Odunze, who caught six passes for 94 yards. Despite a second-quarter interception by Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, which ended a Jets drought of 21 games without a pick, Chicago’s passing game remained effective. The Bears’ offense generated a total of 492 yards and set a franchise record with 34 first downs.
The Bears’ defense limited the Jets to just 157 total yards and seven first downs while holding New York to 0-for-7 on third downs. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s unit has consistently restrained opponents in recent weeks after allowing 37 points in the opener. However, defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo noted the team remains focused on improving and maintaining strong performances.
The Jets, contending with injuries including the loss of cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. to a concussion, struggled against a physical Bears offensive line that won key matchups against a formidable New York front. The Jets’ rushing attack was led by Braelon Allen, who gained 59 yards on 14 carries. Quarterback Geno Smith completed 8 of 15 passes for 119 yards and one touchdown, including a late 58-yard scoring pass to Isaiah Williams, though New York missed the extra point.
Early in the game, the Bears had multiple opportunities to score from the 1-yard line, with Swift twice denied by reviews and a turnover on downs on fourth-and-goal. Monangai eventually broke through on a fourth-and-goal run late in the first quarter, providing Chicago’s first touchdown. The Bears extended their lead with field goals by Cairo Santos and capitalized on Monangai’s second touchdown in the third quarter to create separation.
Overall, Chicago’s balanced offensive attack and strong ball control complemented by stout defense carried them to a convincing victory over the Jets, who struggled to generate sustained drives against a dominant Bears performance.