Bears Outlast Jets in Gritty Contest Fueled by Monangai's Ground Game
Chicago controls possession, while New York struggles offensively.
The Chicago Bears secured a 23-12 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday, with running back Kyle Monangai playing a pivotal role in controlling the game's tempo.
Monangai, a former Rutgers star, rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries, contributing significantly to the Bears' 42 minutes and 45 seconds of possession time. This dominance in time of possession led to a stark contrast in first downs, with Chicago holding a 34-2 advantage over the Jets' offensive plays, a statistical anomaly not seen in the NFL since 2016.
Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent, stepping in for the injured Caleb Williams, had a solid performance in his first start since his rookie year in 2023. Bagent completed 25 of 34 passes for 268 yards. The Bears' defense also contributed, with lineman Austin Booker seen tackling Jets quarterback Geno Smith.
For the Jets, the offensive struggles were evident, particularly in the passing game. Quarterback Geno Smith, who had started the season with strong completion percentages, had an off day, finishing 8-for-15 passing for 119 yards and one touchdown. The team's inability to convert on third down, going 0-for-7, was a key factor in their defeat.
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn acknowledged the team's performance and the external narrative surrounding historical losses. "Inside that locker room, I want my guys not to think about history, because it’s going to be brought up so much from the outside, people beating us down with history," Glenn stated. "We just have to circle the wagons and not let any of that come inside our locker room."