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Chicago Controls the Clock to Ground the Jets Behind Monangai's Workload

The Chicago Bears proved at Soldier Field that dominance does not always require high-flying aerial theatrics. With a 23-12 victory over the New York Jets in Week 4 on Sunday, October 4, 2026, Chicago smothered the contest through sustained drives and physical execution.

The Bears kept possession for more than 42 minutes, piling up 492 total yards while holding the Jets to 157 yards overall. Even without punting a single time across four quarters, Chicago overcame a goal-line stop at the New York 1-yard line to secure a comprehensive win.

Kyle Monangai seizes the backfield mantle

Chicago head coach Ben Johnson initially orchestrated a trick look on the opening play, splitting Tyson Bagent out wide as a receiver while Case Keenum took the snap to hand off to D’Andre Swift. Keenum played only one snap in the game, and Swift surrendered lead duties after losing a fumble in the third quarter.

That mistake handed the keys to Kyle Monangai, who punished the defense with 30 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns, anchoring an offensive ground game that generated 232 rushing yards.

Tyson Bagent delivers efficiency despite ending New York's drought

Operating in place of Caleb Williams, who missed his second straight game while rehabbing a hamstring injury, Tyson Bagent looked poised within the offensive structure. The quarterback completed 24 of 33 passes for 261 yards and threw one interception.

His lone major mistake arrived in the second quarter, when Minkah Fitzpatrick intercepted him for Fitzpatrick's first pick as a Jet. That takeaway halted New York's 20-game interception drought dating back to Week 18 of the 2024 season.

Beyond that misstep, the Jets had three other pass breakups overturned by defensive penalties, enabling Bagent to maintain long drives.

New York's offense remains stuck in neutral

The Jets never found a steady offensive rhythm, struggling to stay on the field as their time of possession plummeted. Geno Smith completed a 58-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Williams, accounting for 58 of the Jets’ 157 total yards.

The lack of output condemned the Jets to their third straight defeat following their Week 1 victory in Tennessee. Head coach Aaron Glenn summarized the frustration afterward, noting that celebrating an interception meant little alongside another defeat.

His squad heads home in Week 5 to host the surging Cleveland Browns, desperate to revive an unproductive attack. Chicago, meanwhile, prepares to face the Green Bay Packers in Week 5.

With Williams expected to miss at least one more contest with his hamstring ailment, Johnson's side will likely lean once more on Bagent and Monangai to guide the offense.

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