Chicago Bears controlled the game from start to finish, moving 3-1 with a convincing 23-12 win over the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Chicago dominated the numbers, piling up 492 total yards and 34 first downs while holding the Jets to just 157 yards and seven first downs.
The Bears eventually controlled the clock for 42:45, which the Jets simply could not handle. New York struggled to move the ball, converting zero of seven third downs and running only 32 plays. Chicago’s running game, efficient quarterback play and aggressive defense kept the Jets under pressure all afternoon.
Here are three takeaways from a performance that showed why the Bears are becoming one of the more interesting teams in the NFC.
Kyle Monangai Is Giving the Bears’ Ground Game Another Gear
The Bears running back was the star of the afternoon. The second-year running back rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries, both career highs in rushing attempts and multiple-touchdown production. His 26-yard burst and two scoring runs helped Chicago control the game on the ground.
His workload increased as the game progressed. D’Andre Swift remained involved and finished with 58 yards on 15 carries, but his third-quarter fumble opened the door for Monangai to take over.
Monangai and Swift have now both crossed 300 rushing yards through four games, the first Bears teammate duo to reach that mark this early in a season since 1976. Chicago has also rushed for at least 230 yards in four games since the start of the 2025 season, more than any other NFL team in that span.
Tyson Bagent and Luther Burden Keep the Offense Moving
Bagent did exactly what Chicago needed, completing 25 of 34 passes for 268 yards and one interception. He was not asked to carry the offense by himself, but he consistently moved the chains and connected with eight different pass catchers.
Bagent’s interception in the second quarter gave the Jets a short field and led to three points. He also had a few passes that could have been intercepted. Still, the quarterback remained composed and avoided turning the mistake into a larger problem, which was a win for the Bears.
Luther Burden III continued to show why he matters to this offense. The second-year wide receiver made several important catches, including a leaping 20-yard reception. He also had a strong first quarter and helped keep Chicago’s passing game productive while the Jets focused heavily on stopping the run.
Bears’ Offense and Defense Are Setting the Tone
Chicago ran 89 plays, did not punt and held the ball for 42:45. The Bears produced 34 first downs, their most in a game since at least 1941. That kind of sustained possession kept the Jets’ defense on the field and gave New York’s offense very little time to find a rhythm.
The defense completely squeezed the Jets, holding Geno Smith to 119 passing yards and sacked him three times. New York converted none of its seven third-down opportunities. The Jets did manage a 58-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Williams late, but by then the Bears had built a 23-6 lead.
The Bears have now held opponents to one touchdown in consecutive games. Against New York, they allowed only 157 total yards and seven first downs. More importantly, Chicago’s defense kept getting off the field while the offense kept grinding away.
