Bears Bludgeon Jets 23-12 Behind Monangai’s Big Day

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Bears Bludgeon Jets 23-12 Behind Monangai’s Big Day

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Nick DeMao | Last updated Oct 5, 2026 11:26 AM ET

Now you can ask whether the Chicago Bears have a quarterback-proof head coach, as the team notched its third win of the season behind its third different signal caller following a 23-12 bludgeoning of the New York Jets.

The Bears, led by quarterback Tyson Bagent, put up nearly 500 yards on offense en route to a comfortable win in front of the Soldier Field faithful.

Bagent, starting his first game since 2023, went 25-of-34 for 268 yards and one interception against a Jets defense consistently ranked in the top 10 in multiple categories coming into Sunday’s matchup. Despite a touchdown-less outing, Bagent ran Ben Johnson’s offense with poise and precision as the Monsters of the Midway devoured over 42 minutes of clock against the Jets’ 17.

The true stud of the game was running back Kyle Monangai. After D’Andre Swift fumbled in the third quarter, Monangai took the lion’s share of the work, carrying the rock 30 times for 146 yards and two touchdowns. It was a career-high in carries for Monangai, who looked to get stronger as the game went on.

Defensively, Dennis Allen’s unit dominated the Jets. Geno Smith never got comfortable in the pocket, aside from one long play to Isaiah Williams that cut the lead to 11 in the 4th quarter; the Bears bullied the Jets and made life difficult for a quarterback who had resurged in his return to Gotham. Despite not coming away with a takeaway, the Bears shut the door on any chance of a Jets’ comeback multiple times throughout the afternoon as the Jets were only able to account for 157 total yards of offense.

It was Ben Johnson’s 15th win as head coach in 23 games (including playoffs), eclipsing the 14 wins Matt Eberflus compiled over three seasons.

The 3-1 Bears are now set to face off against a 2-2 Green Bay Packers team that defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, next week at Lambeau Field.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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