Kyle Monangai just 136 yards away from surpassing this legendary Bears RB

RC Nazemi

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Kyle Monangai just 136 yards away from surpassing this legendary Bears RB image

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The Chicago Bears are by far the story of the season. They're currently 11-4, still in the running for the 1st seed in the NFC, and have officially gone from worst to first in the NFC North. 

This Chicago resurgence has been spurred on by many factors. Obviously, you could point to Ben Johnson's culture change and offensive renaissance, but you don't get to that point without having the players to accomplish your vision. 

It started with upgrading one of the weaker offensive line units in the league, but once they made their 7th-round pick in this last draft, they unknowingly took their offense to the next level.

The Bears' rookie RB Kyle Monangai has been everything and more for this Chicago team, which finds itself as the 2nd ranked rushing attack in the league. 

In a class filled with talented backs, Monangai has made clear that he belongs in the upper tier. He's had such a good season despite not getting very many touches until nearly halfway through the season. 

More: Kyle Monangai first rookie RB to accomplish this feat

He's been so good that he's near the mark to pass an all-time Bears legend for rushing yards as a rookie. 

Kyle Monangai just 136 yards from passing Gale Sayers

Gale Sayers' career was short-lived, only playing seven seasons, but his impact was so great that he's a Hall of Famer regardless. 

Sayers won the NFL Rookie of the Year award in 1965 when he rushed for 867 yards and 14 TDs. Monangai is a ways off from Sayers' TD total, but is well within reach of passing the Bears' legend in rookie season rushing yards. 

With just two games left, Monangai finds himself just 136 yards away from passing Gale Sayers on the all-time Bears' rookie rushing list. 

D'Andre Swift has been fantastic as well this season, seeing a resurgence in play to what we all saw from him in Detroit, but without Monangai, there's no way this Bears rushing attack would look the same. 

By no means is Kyle Monangai being hailed as the next Gale Sayers, but the Bears certainly found themselves a gem in the 7th round.

Chicago not only has the defense for a long playoff run, but thanks to Monangai and his power running, a running game that can last into February as well. 

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