The Chicago Bears' rushing attack has turned a corner since its uninspiring start to the 2025 NFL campaign. However, they reached new heights in their thrilling 47-42 road win over the Cincinnati Bengals, thanks to seventh-round rookie running back Kyle Monangai.
Monangai was exceptional in the Bears' victory in Cincinnati. His 176 yards on the ground were 10 fewer than he had across seven games entering the interconference clash. He averaged a healthy 6.8 yards per carry and provided 22 additional yards as a pass-catcher on three receptions.
All Monangai was missing was a touchdown to punctuate his spectacular breakout performance against the Bengals. Nevertheless, he looked more than comfortable operating as the focal point of the Bears' offense in starting tailback D'Andre Swift's stead. Assuming Chicago head coach Ben Johnson saw what we saw, this could, and frankly, should be a sign of things to come.
One game proved Kyle Monangai deserves Bears’ RB1 job over D’Andre Swift
Fair or not, Swift effectively had his job snatched from him while he was sidelined. When available, his recent efforts haven't necessarily merited a demotion. Yet, there's no putting the toothpaste that is Monangai's showing in Cincy back in the tube once its out.
Unfortunately, sometimes all it takes is injury for a player to receive an opportunity, which appears to be what's happening in Chicago. Swift sat out versus the Bengals due to what Johnson has described as a "chronic" groin issue. Consequently, Monangai took the "next man up" mentality to another level.
By virtually every metric, Monangai didn't only display immense personal upside, though he elevated Chicago's scoring unit to a degree Swift hasn't in one start. Of course, facing a Bengals defense that gave up the most rushing yards per contest and ranked 29th in yards allowed per carry helps. But incredibly inviting matchup aside, the former seized the opportunity and may have overtaken the Bears' backfield in the process.
Per NFL Next Gen Stats, Monangai had 59 rush yards over expectation in the Bears' defeat of the Bengals. For context, Swift has reached exactly 30 yards in this department in just of his six charted outings this season.
Read more: Ben Johnson just confirmed what Bears fans saw in thrilling win vs. Bengals
106 of Monangai's yards gained in Cincinnati came after contact and had multiple explosive plays, including a long run of 39 yards. His ability to absord hits, vision and relentless motor were apparent.