Jets fall 23-12 to Bears at Soldier Field, drop to 1-3

On Oct. 4, 2026 the New York Jets were beaten 23‑12 by the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, leaving the Jets with a 1‑3 record and the Bears at 3‑1.

The loss highlights the Jets’ early‑season struggles and underscores Chicago’s dominance on both sides of the ball. The Bears’ control of the game, especially in total offense, puts pressure on New York to address gaps before the season’s midpoint.

Chicago outgained the Jets 492 yards to 157, converting 34 first downs while the Jets managed only seven. The Bears amassed 232 rushing yards compared with the Jets’ 59 on the ground. Quarterback Tyson Bagent completed 25 of 34 passes for 268 yards, while Jets quarterback Geno Smith finished 8‑for‑15 for 119 yards and one touchdown.

Despite the overall disparity, the Jets did generate a few bright spots. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick intercepted Bagent in the second quarter, ending a 637‑day streak without an interception for New York. The turnover set up a 36‑yard field goal by Jason Sanders, giving the Jets their first points of the game.

Chicago’s scoring came from a mix of ground and kick play. Running back Kyle Monangai recorded two rushing touchdowns, and kicker Cairo Santos connected on three field goals — two 30‑yarders before halftime and a 21‑yard attempt in the third quarter. The Bears’ early lead of 13‑3 at halftime proved decisive, and they extended it to 23‑6 before a late Jets garbage‑time touchdown narrowed the margin.

The Jets’ offense struggled to sustain drives, managing just 31 plays for 99 yards in the first half and failing to convert opportunities into points after a mid‑third‑quarter fumble recovery. Their only late‑game touchdown came on a 58‑yard pass from Smith to Isaiah Williams, but the extra point was missed.

Looking ahead, the Jets will seek to improve execution on both sides of the ball as the season progresses, hoping to turn the early adversity into growth.