The Chicago Bears made it clear that improving their running game was a priority during their Week 5 bye, and their efforts appeared to pay off with an impressive 5.5 yards per carry and 67 attempts over the following two games. However, in Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens, the run game faltered, yielding only 96 yards on 23 attempts. D’Andre Swift, who had previously showcased his ability with a touchdown streak of three games, found himself without a carry for a significant stretch, particularly as he and teammate Kyle Monangai combined for just 18 carries.
Various factors contributed to this decline, including the Bears’ offensive struggles, which saw them trailing in the game and a problematic groin injury for Swift that limited his effectiveness. Against a defense that had been vulnerable, the Bears would ideally have performed better on the ground.
Despite the challenges, Monangai has been carving out a more substantial role for himself. As the Bears move forward, he has consistently topped a 40 percent snap share over the past two games, logging 20 carries compared to Swift’s 30. While Swift’s injury may have impacted Monangai’s playing time, the rookie from Rutgers has proven his worth, contributing to a more dynamic backfield reminiscent of the successful model used by Ben Johnson in Detroit.
A newly revealed statistic by Ian Hartitz of Fantasy Life, termed “cool s**t,” further highlights Monangai’s contributions. This metric takes into account a running back’s total touchdowns, explosive plays, and tackles avoided, relative to their total opportunities. With a “cool s**t” rate of 39.2 percent, Monangai ranks eighth among running backs with at least 50 opportunities this season, placing him among the league’s elite talents like Jonathan Taylor and Bijan Robinson. In contrast, Swift’s rate sits at 26.6 percent, placing him 32nd out of 46 backs on the same list.
As long as Swift remains in the picture, he will likely continue to receive a majority of the touches in the Bears’ backfield. However, Monangai’s recent performance and the positive data surrounding his impact indicate that he is a valuable asset and could play a crucial role as Chicago aims to enhance their ground game moving forward. This shift in dynamics not only showcases the potential for a more balanced attack but also instills hope for Bears fans eager to see their team improve on the field.