The Chicago Bears enjoyed a decisive victory over the New York Jets on Sunday, putting on another offensive show. Chicago ran the ball 54 times to help post an impressive 492 yards of total offense. Along the way, several rookies stood out, again stamping their mark on the 2026 Chicago Bears.
Bears rookie standouts in the win over the Jets
Dillon Thieneman was again impressive, leading the team with 7 total tackles on the day. Thieneman has been the most consistent part of the Bears defense through four games, and he's showed no signs of stopping. Thieneman has been a standout first round selection, and his production thus far has been exemplary.
Alongside Thieneman, Malik Muhammad has also shown great promise, earning himself a spot as a starter the last two weeks. Against the Jets, Muhammad recorded two total tackles and a pass deflection, likely keeping his status as a starter unless Kyler Gordon takes it, though Gordon's status is pending activation from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.
Returner Zavion Thomas finally had the ball in his hands, returning all four kickoff opportunities for a total of 70-yards, averaging 17.5-yards per return. His longest of the day was a 27-yard return to set up the Bears on a 9-play 72-yard drive that ended in a Kyle Monangai touchdown, placing the Bears on top 20-6.
Sam Roush again collected a single reception on one target, totaling eight yards. He was charged with a holding penalty that caused the Bears to start shallow in their own territory rather than near the 20. He also was credited with the tackle that stopped Minkah Fitzpatrick's interception short.
Jordan van den Berg participated on a rotational substitution basis, but managed to record a quarterback hit when the Jets only ran 32 offensive plays, so there's something to be said about that.
Among the other rookies that took part in the game but recorded no stats are Logan Jones, and Keyshaun Elliot. Skyler Thomas recorded a special teams tackle assist.
None of these names may be shining as bright as Thieneman is right now. He's taken a command of the Bears' secondary at a time when they really needed it, but that's not to suggest that these other rookies haven't stepped up in their own right. There's still plenty of season left, and with the Bears sitting at 3-1 headed into Green Bay, the Bears rookies will have ample opportunities to prove themselves.
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