Kyle Monangai and Chuba Hubbard Lead Strong Week for African RBs

Monangai powers Bears offense

Kyle Monangai produced another dominant showing for the Chicago Bears in their 23-12 victory over the New York Jets at Soldier Field. The running back, whose parents are from Cameroon, totaled 146 rushing yards on 30 carries and scored two touchdowns. A four yard reception took his total for the game to 150 yards.

Monangai is growing into an important part of the Chicago offense during his second year. He scored five touchdowns in his rookie campaign and now has three this year. That tally includes a 100 yard game with a touchdown in a 59-37 win against Carolina earlier in the season.

Hubbard and defensive standouts impress

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard also found the end zone twice in a 32-26 win against the Detroit Lions. Hubbard, who has ties to Nigeria through his father, broke free on a 25 yard run where he bounced off five defenders. He went down just two yards short of the goal line before punching in the touchdown on the next snap. That score helped the Panthers build a 10 point lead late in the third quarter.

Other players with African roots also made headlines. Alvin Kamara ran in two scores for New Orleans in a 45-24 loss to Atlanta. On defense, Basil Chijioke Okoye recorded an eight yard sack for the New York Giants in a 36-24 victory over Arizona. He became the first graduate of the NFL Africa IPP program to record a sack in a regular season game. Samson Ebukam added a sack for Atlanta, while Jacksonville linebacker Foyesade Oluokun posted seven tackles, a sack, and an interception in a 22-17 victory over Cincinnati. In the secondary, Seattle safety Nick Emmanwori helped beat the LA Chargers 30-23, while Andrew Mukuba grabbed an interception for Philadelphia.

What it means for the next game

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (NFL, Sun, 11 Oct): Green Bay Packers win 40%, Chicago Bears win 60%; projected score Green Bay Packers 22, Chicago Bears 25. Our safest pick: Over 38.5 points.