The Chicago Bears had a dominant rushing performance against the New York Jets, totaling 232 yards on the ground in a 23-12 win that wasn’t as close as the score indicated.
Kyle Monangai had a career day with 30 carries for 146 yards, 4.9 yards per carry and two touchdowns. And while D’Andre Swift has been impressive this season, he notably struggled in this game with 15 carries for 58 yards and a costly fumble that led to a Jets field goal.
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Interestingly enough, Swift never returned to the field after his third-quarter fumble, where Monangai and Roschon Johnson got the carries, prompting speculation about whether he suffered an injury or was just downright benched. And, listening to head coach Ben Johnson, it sounds like the latter.
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) celebrates with quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) celebrates with quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive line Montez Sweat (98) during warmups before the game against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) passes the ball against the New York Jets during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) runs with the ball against the New York Jets during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) walks on the field after a play against the New York Jets during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) makes a catch for a first down against New York Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) runs with the ball against New York Jets safety Dane Belton (6) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) hands the ball off to running back D’Andre Swift (4) against the New York Jets during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) celebrates with wide receiver Jahdae Walker (9) after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) prepares for the snap against the New York Jets during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive line Austin Booker (94) sacks New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Ben Johnson addresses Bears RB D’Andre Swift’s benching vs. Jets
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) loses his footing against New York Jets cornerback Azareye’h Thomas (1) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) looks to hand off the ball against the New York Jets during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears safety Xavier Woods (32) on the field during warmups before the game against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond (14) runs with the ball against the New York Jets during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) runs with the ball against New York Jets safety Dane Belton (6) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Jets running back Braelon Allen (0) runs with the ball against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive line Austin Booker (94) tackles New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears safety Xavier Woods (32) tackles New York Jets running back Braelon Allen (0) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) passes the ball against the New York Jets during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) reacts after a play against the New York Jets during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) reacts after a play against the New York Jets during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos (8) with long snapper Scott Daly (46) after kicking a field goal against the New York Jets during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) makes a catch against the New York Jets during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) passes the ball against the New York Jets during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) tackles Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos (8) kicks a field goal against the New York Jets during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) walks on the sideline during the third quarter of their game against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Jets cornerback Azareye’h Thomas (1) trips up Chicago Bears tight end Sam Roush (87) during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) celebrates with wide receiver Zavion Thomas (13) after a touchdown against the New York Jets during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) celebrates with offensive line Jonah Jackson (73) after a touchdown against the New York Jets during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Isaiah Williams (18) runs with the ball against Chicago Bears defensive back Tyrique Stevenson (29) during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas (13) returns a kickoff against the New York Jets during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III (10) is unable to make a catch while defended by New York Jets cornerback Azareye’h Thomas (1) during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) runs with the ball against New York Jets safety Dane Belton (6) during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) runs with the ball against New York Jets safety Dane Belton (6) during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears safety Xavier Woods (32) and defensive back Tyrique Stevenson (29) tackle New York Jets wide receiver Isaiah Williams (18) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) hugs New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (7) after the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) gives a thumbs up after the game against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) runs with the ball against New York Jets safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (29) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) gets tripped up on a run against the New York Jets during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (25) runs with the ball against the New York Jets during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(Mike Dinovo, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) passes the ball against the New York Jets during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Bears vs. Jets: Photos from Chicago’s 23-12 win
Oct 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent (17) reacts after the game against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
After the game, Johnson was asked if Swift was benched due to injury, and he said: “No, nothing like that.”
On the one hand, it’s encouraging news that Chicago’s top running back is seemingly healthy ahead of a pivotal Week 5 showdown against the Green Bay Packers, especially with Monangai suffering a thumb injury that has his status up-in-the-air. But it also shows that Johnson is holding his players accountable for mistakes.
Last season, Swift fumbled a total of two times in 223 carries, per Nicholas Moreano. In the last three weeks, Swift has fumbled twice, and both were costly (but none more-so than Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings on the goal line).
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There’s no doubt that Swift will be a key part of this Bears offense moving forward, and he’ll have a chance for redemption against the Packers next week. But Johnson’s message with a presumed benching is clear: Do a better job of protecting the football.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ben Johnson addresses Bears RB D’Andre Swift’s benching vs. Jets
