Kyle Monangai gave the Bears far more than one explosive touchdown

The Chicago Bears' first regular season game resulted in a blowout victory in which the teams combined for an astounding 96 points, the most ever scored in a season opener. The Bears put forward an excellent run game, with D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai leading the charge.

Kyle Monangai made every question about his Week 1 readiness disappear

Monangai broke out for a 61 yard touchdown late in the third quarter to add to his total of 100 yards on the day. It's easy for a touchdown like that to get buried when the team puts up 59 total points, but at the time, the Bears were only ahead by a single touchdown. The Panthers had just turned the ball over on a failed fourth down attempt, and Monangai scored on the very next play.

Monangai contributed more than just that touchdown, though. His 19-yard reception opened Chicago's second quarter drive, and later he had a five yard catch that helped move them down the field during an 80 yard touchdown drive before halftime.

Back in mid-August, Monangai's status for Week 1 was thrown into question when he hyperextended his knee in practice. He was initially considered week to week, with many reports suggesting he would miss multiple weeks, finally returning to practice on September 7th. Ultimately, Monangai missed about three weeks of practice, and of course was ready to go come game time on Sunday.

Thankfully Monangai carried no designations, and was able to contribute as much as he did. Adding in his 24 receiving yards, he again showed his value to the NFL.

The Bears boasted the third best running offense in the NFL in 2025, and clearly with the electric pairing of Swift and Monangai returning in full flight, the Bears are stamping their name on the board already. Between the two of them, the Bears could have everything they need to be the top running team in the NFL.

Monangai entered Week 1 with questions about whether he would even be ready and left it having changed the game. If this is what he can produce after missing three weeks of practice, the ceiling of Chicago’s backfield may be even higher than anybody expected.

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