The Jets went to Soldier Field expecting a physical game against Ben Johnson’s Bears and spent most of it on the sideline. Chicago ran 89 plays to their 32, and the defense that kept the score close never got a rest.
The Chicago Bears beat the New York Jets 23–12 at Soldier Field on October 4, 2026. Chicago ran 89 plays to New York’s 32, held the ball for 42:45, and outgained the Jets 492 yards to 157. The Jets fell to 1–3.
It is a third straight loss after the Week 3 loss at Detroit, and the 2026 Jets schedule now turns to a home game against Cleveland. What the Jets were trying to do going in is laid out in the Jets-Bears Week 4 preview.
How did the Bears control the game?
With the run and the clock. Kyle Monangai carried 30 times for 146 yards and two touchdowns, and Chicago finished with 232 rushing yards against 59 for the Jets. Cairo Santos made all three of his field goal tries.
The time of possession tells the rest: 42:45 for Chicago, 17:15 for New York. Jets right guard Joe Tippmann described the wait on the sideline to the club: “Taking three reps and then waiting 25 minutes.”
Why did the Jets offense never get going?
It barely got on the field. New York ran 32 plays, finished 0-for-7 on third down, and gained 157 total yards. With Breece Hall out with a quad injury the week before kickoff, Braelon Allen led the ground game with 59 yards on 14 carries, per the club.
The one big play was a 58-yard touchdown from Geno Smith to Isaiah Williams, who finished with two catches for 73 yards. Jason Sanders kicked field goals of 36 and 30 yards, and an extra point failed, leaving the Jets at 12.
What did the Jets defense do well?
It created chances despite the workload. In his first game back from a groin injury, per the club, Minkah Fitzpatrick made 16 tackles and intercepted Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent. Brandon Stephens stopped D’Andre Swift on fourth-and-goal early, and Jamien Sherwood forced a Swift fumble that Stephens recovered.
Chicago was held to two touchdowns on seven red zone trips. Even so, the defense was on the field for roughly 89 snaps.
How much did penalties hurt the Jets?
Badly. The club’s recap lists 12 penalties for 76 yards, and flags wiped out defensive turnovers. Head coach Aaron Glenn said: “The penalties which negated a couple of turnovers, that was tough.”
Linebacker Demario Davis took responsibility for his own: “That’s a mental penalty, that’s a focus penalty, that can’t happen.”
What did Aaron Glenn say after the loss?
He did not hide his frustration. “I’m very, very disappointed on a number of different levels,” Glenn said. “This was basically just not playing complementary football at its best.” Davis added, “Today was not reflective of our standard.”
Who do the Jets play next?
The Jets host the Cleveland Browns, 3–1 entering the week, at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, October 11. Current designations for the game will appear on the Jets injury report.
Frequently asked questions
What was the final score of Jets vs. Bears in Week 4?
The Bears beat the Jets 23–12 at Soldier Field on Sunday, October 4, 2026. The Jets are 1–3.
How many plays did the Jets run against the Bears?
The Jets ran 32 plays to Chicago’s 89 and held the ball for 17:15, compared with 42:45 for the Bears.
Who led the Bears in the win?
Running back Kyle Monangai carried 30 times for 146 yards and two touchdowns, and kicker Cairo Santos made all three of his field goal attempts.
Who scored the Jets’ only touchdown?
Isaiah Williams caught a 58-yard touchdown from Geno Smith. He finished with two receptions for 73 yards.
How did Minkah Fitzpatrick play in his return?
In his first game back from a groin injury, Fitzpatrick made 16 tackles and intercepted Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent.
Who do the Jets play next?
The Jets host the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, October 11, 2026.