Monangai’s hard work paying off as Bears’ run game finds its groove

Ariana Pensy · Correspondent · 4 hours ago

CHICAGO - It is fair to say that rookie running back Kyle Monangai had his breakout game against the New Orleans Saints when he put up nearly 100 total yards and his first career touchdown in the Bears’ 26-14 win.

“I try to make the most of every opportunity I’m given,” Monangai said. “I never go into a game knowing how many, so you just got to prepare yourself for whatever may come your way, how large or how small. So, that’s kind of just the approach I take each week. Just however much I’m given in terms of opportunities, I got to go make the best of each one.”

During the 2025 NFL Draft, general manager Ryan Poles received some criticism for not drafting a running back until the seventh round. However, the running back draft class was incredibly deep, and Chicago was able to draft Monangai at that point. It is fair to say that a running back with his resume - back-to-back 1,200 rushing yard seasons at a Big-10 school - would not have been there that late in most other draft classes.

Chicago already had a few running backs - D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, and Travis Homer. However, this unit was not seen as a strength of the Bears’ offense. During the first four weeks, there were talks that Chicago might need to trade for a running back to boost the running game.

The Bears ultimately did not do that but instead found a way to unlock Swift against the Washington Commanders.

“D’Andre is a big play at any moment type of guy, and I think you get the ball in his hands, he has that ability to make those big plays happen out of anything, and I think we complement each other well with the way we run,” Monangai said. “Different running styles, of course, but I think we complement each other well.”

With Swift and Monangai both performing well, some might suspect there is competition between the two.

However, Monangai said that is not how Swift is as he has been supportive and helped Monangai since getting drafted by Chicago.

“Since I stepped foot in the building, I (have) learned a lot from him, just a guy that’s done it and just (learning) about what it’s like to be a pro in this league at this position for so long. He’s been doing it for a lot of years,” Monangai said. “So, just the day-in and the day-out, the work ethic, taking care of your body. That’s what it means to be a pro.”

Chicago will hope to continue their four-game winning streak and offensive success in the run game when they face the Baltimore Ravens on Sun. Oct. 26 (Noon / CBS). Baltimore has been historically bad on defense this year both defending the run and the pass. Therefore, this game should give the passing attack to get back on track while also opening up opportunities for both Swift and Monangai.

“We’re making progress in the right direction for sure and last game was a testament to that,” Monangai said. “The game before that, kind of got it going too a little bit and we have aspirations to be even better than where we are in terms of the run game. So, I know we’re going to do that. We just keep building week-by-week.”