What's Happening?
Kyle Monangai, a seventh-round rookie running back for the Chicago Bears, made his preseason debut in a game against the Miami Dolphins, which ended in a 24-24 tie. Monangai played 27 offensive snaps, recording six carries for 30 yards and returning a kick for 22 yards. Despite the absence of starters, Monangai had the opportunity to showcase his skills, including running between tackles and catching the ball out of the backfield. However, he faced challenges in pass protection, an area where he excelled during his college career at Rutgers. Monangai acknowledged the need for improvement in this aspect to secure more playing time, particularly in passing situations.
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Why It's Important?
Monangai's performance is crucial for the Bears as they look to strengthen their running back lineup amidst struggles from D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson. His ability to adapt and improve in pass protection could determine his role in the team, especially under head coach Ben Johnson, who has a history of making strategic changes based on player performance. Monangai's potential to become a key player could impact the Bears' offensive strategy and provide depth in their running game, which is vital for their success in the upcoming season.
What's Next?
Monangai will have further opportunities to improve his pass protection skills in the remaining preseason games. The Bears are set to host the Buffalo Bills next, providing Monangai another chance to demonstrate his capabilities and earn a more significant role in the team. His progress will be closely monitored by the coaching staff, and his performance could influence the team's decisions regarding the running back lineup.
