Bears Rookies Loveland, Monangai Lead 47–42 Win Over Bengals

The Chicago Bears’ thrilling 47–42 win over the Cincinnati Bengals showcased the emergence of two dynamic rookies who have quickly earned their coach’s trust. Tight end Colston Loveland and running back Kyle Monangai turned what looked like a devastating collapse into a statement victory — and perhaps, a defining moment in the early stages of their NFL careers.

Back in August, head coach Ben Johnson was hesitant to rely too heavily on first-year players, emphasizing that “trust is a strong word.” Three months later, Loveland and Monangai have turned that cautious optimism into confidence — delivering in the clutch when the Bears needed them most.

Loveland’s Breakout Moment Seals the Win

When Chicago took over trailing 42–41 with under a minute to play, Caleb Williams and the offense needed a miracle. They found it in Loveland. Facing third-and-long near midfield, Williams scrambled for 14 yards, setting up one last chance. On the next play, Johnson dialed up a route he had been “hunting” since before halftime — a seam concept designed to exploit Cincinnati’s coverage.

Williams delivered a perfect strike over the middle to Loveland, who absorbed hits from both Jordan Battle and Geno Stone before breaking free for a 58-yard touchdown. The rookie tight end’s combination of size, toughness, and speed turned a desperate situation into a game-winner.

Loveland finished with six catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns, becoming the first Bears rookie tight end to eclipse 100 receiving yards in a game since Mike Ditka in 1961. His late-game heroics drew awe from teammates, including safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who called him “a NASCAR” after watching him sprint away from defenders.

Monangai Carries the Load on the Ground

While Loveland’s play will headline the highlight reels, Kyle Monangai’s performance grounded the Bears’ offense all afternoon. With D’Andre Swift sidelined by a groin injury, the rookie from Rutgers earned his first career start — and delivered a throwback performance reminiscent of Chicago’s glory days.

Monangai racked up 176 rushing yards on 26 carries, averaging 6.8 yards per attempt, while also catching three passes for 22 yards. His physical running style powered the Bears to 283 rushing yards as a team — their highest single-game total since 1984 when Walter Payton led the backfield.

Head coach Ben Johnson praised Monangai’s poise and reliability, noting, “That’s kind of who he’s been since he’s been here. Very reliable. He’s going to do what you’re coaching. He proved today he can carry that load if called upon.”

A Glimpse of Chicago’s Future

The rookie duo’s breakout couldn’t have come at a better time. The Bears had nearly squandered a 14-point lead after Joe Flacco and the Bengals scored twice in under a minute late in the fourth quarter. Yet when it mattered most, Chicago’s young stars stepped up — Loveland through the air, Monangai on the ground, and Williams showing calm under pressure.

For Monangai, the performance was validation. “The work I put in, I expect the results I get, but it doesn’t mean I’m satisfied,” he said. “It just means I’ve got to keep going, put the foot on the gas, and continue to keep this trend going.”

With the win, Chicago improved to 5–3 — and perhaps discovered a glimpse of its offensive identity in the process. Loveland and Monangai aren’t just promising rookies anymore; they’re catalysts in a Bears offense beginning to believe in itself.