The Chicago Bears journeyed to Philadelphia to take on the defending Super Bowl Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, and emerged victorious.
Chicago improved their record to 9-3 and maintained their hold on first place in the NFC North. In this game, three different rookies made a difference, and one in particular made a significant impact.
Rookies Rising
1. Kyle Monangai, RB
Kyle Monangai was the engine of the offense this week, and in conjunction with D'Andre Swift, the two created over 260 yards of offense! The rookie running back recorded the longest rush of the game for either team with a 31-yard run in the fourth quarter to start a 13-play drive that resulted in his own touchdown. Monangai and Swift put together an impressive performance that reminded the league why the Bears boast such an explosive run game.
2. Colston Loveland, TE
Colston Loveland was three for six against the Eagles, recording 28 yards on offense. The young tight end had a couple of key blocks for the Bears' offense, helping the Bears put up an impressive 281 yards. Though this wasn’t Loveland’s biggest outing of the year, he continues to carve out a clear role in Chicago’s offense.
3. Luther Burden III, WR
Luther Burden III displayed his real potential for the Bears, finishing with four catches for 33 yards on six targets, including an 11-yard catch. He wasn't the focal point of the pass game, but he consistently gave Caleb Williams a reliable option that helped keep drives on schedule. Burden's usage shows the Bears trust him as a receiver, even though he hasn't yet produced a breakout performance. With time and more reps between Burden III and Williams, Burden III is sure to create substantial production for Ben Johnson's offense.
Momentum Into December
Chicago's rookie class continues to help shape this team's identity, and Week 13 was another example of how quickly they're becoming a core part of Ben Johnson's Bears. Monangai helped carry the offense, Loveland provided reliable support, and Burden showed why he deserves his expanding role.
Read more: Bears' Week 13 takeaways include alarmingly awful performance for Caleb Williams
The contributions these rookies keep making are becoming essential to how the Bears win. With difficult games on the horizon, including two matchups against Green Bay, the Bears' coaching staff is confident in their rookies. If this development continues at this rate, the Bears' future looks as promising as their present.