The Chicago Bears' offense was the belle of the ball in Week 1, putting up a staggering 59 points against the Carolina Panthers, but the ground game got the most attention.
Chicago has a deadly duo in the backfield between running backs D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, each logging over 100 yards for the second time since last year. Swift led the way with 124 yards and three touchdowns, while Monangai was right behind him with exactly 100 yards and a rushing touchdown. Even quarterback Caleb Williams got in on the action with 65 yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns.
It was one of the most dominant ground performances in a long time, thanks to 291 total yards on the ground. This says a lot about the backs, Swift and Monangai, who may be the best duo in the NFL.
D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai might not be able to be stopped in Bears' backfield
Pro Football Focus released the first grades of the 2026 season, and the Bears might have the evidence they need that they have the best backfield in the league. Swift had the highest grade among running backs with 90.1, while Monangai finished sixth with a 76.2.
Chicago has the perfect backfield in Swift and Monangai. The Bears get their power ground game from Monangai, while Swift brings the speed to add the balance the team needs.
Swift may have gotten extra motivation to stay on the team after landing his massive three-year contract extension. That was clearly a good investment for the Bears, showing that Swift is in the prime of his NFL career.
The scary part with Monangai is that he hasn't even reached his prime, since this is just the start of his second season with the team. Remember, he was just a seventh-round pick last year andis now being considered one of the top young backs in the NFL.
Chicago wants to be a balanced attack between the run and pass, which was clear as day against the Panthers. That trend will continue for the Bears, as Swift and Monangai make it easy to reach that conclusion.
Read more: Caleb Williams' dominant Week 1 game with Bears reminds NFL of what's coming
While last year was just the appetizer for what the Bears' rushing attack could become over the next few years, the 2026 season will clearly be the main course that shows Swift and Monangai will be impossible to stop. By the end of the season, Bears fans will be asking for second and thirds to continue seeing those two backs dominate.
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