Bears CB Jaylon Johnson named to PFF’s All-Breakout Team

Bears CB Jaylon Johnson’s impressive 2023 season earned him a spot on PFF’s All-Breakout Team.

Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson had a career year during the 2023 season, where he emerged as one of the league’s best cornerbacks.

Johnson had a career-high four interceptions, 36 tackles and 10 pass breakups in 14 games. He proved to be one of the NFL’s best cover cornerbacks and unlocked the takeaway aspect of his game, earning his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods.

Johnson was named to Pro Football Focus’ All-Breakout Team for the 2023 season. He led all cornerbacks with a 90.8 overall grade, including a top coverage grade of 91.0.

With free agency looming, Jaylon Johnson likely made himself a lot of money with his 2023 performance. He was the only cornerback with a higher PFF grade than DaRon Bland (90.8), and he led the position in coverage grade (91.0).

Despite playing a hefty 530 coverage snaps, Johnson allowed just 25 catches on 50 targets for 195 yards and one touchdown to go along with four interceptions. Unless he gets hit with the franchise tag or signs an extension with the Bears, expect Johnson to be one of the most coveted players on the market in the 2024 offseason.

Johnson is slated to become a free agent in March, but general manager Ryan Poles has made it clear Johnson will be with the Bears in 2024. Whether that means signing Johnson to a lucrative, multi-year extension or using the franchise tag remains to be seen. But it’s clear Poles understands the importance of Johnson to this young, ascending defense looking to take the next step in 2024.

Bears RT Darnell Wright named to PFWA’s All-Rookie Team

Bears RT Darnell Wright is garnering recognition for his impressive rookie season.

The Chicago Bears appear to have found their franchise right tackle in Darnell Wright, who had an impressive rookie season where he proved to be one of the better offensive linemen on the team.

Wright, who was drafted 10th overall, started all 17 games for Chicago, where he earned a 62.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (second among rookie tackles). Wright’s run-blocking grade of 66.0 was the best among all rookies. He also earned a 61.3 pass blocking grade.

“He’s a really good football player right now,” Bears offensive line coach Chris Morgan said, via Audacy. “And I think he’s going to be a great football player.

“The sky’s the limit. If he stays hungry, which I think he will because I think he’s the ultimate competitor deep down, I think he’s got the chance to be special. And I’ve been around a lot of good ones. He’s got a chance to be that.”

Last year, left tackle Braxton Jones was also named to the PFWA’s All-Rookie Team. The fifth-round rookie started every snap at left tackle for Chicago, and he showed promise as a long-term starter.

One noticeable snub on the 2023 PFWA All-Rookie Team is cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, who was one of the better rookie cornerbacks this season. He really came into his own during the latter half of the season, including tying for a team-best four interceptions.

Cornerback Jaylon Johnson was also named to PFWA’s All-NFC Team following a career year.

Bears CB Jaylon Johnson named to PFWA’s All-NFC Team

The accolades keep rolling in for Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson.

The accolades keep rolling in for Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson.

Johnson is coming off a career year, where he established himself as one of the NFL’s best cover corners. He totaled a career-high four interceptions, 36 tackles and 10 pass breakups in 14 games. Johnson was the highest-graded cornerback by Pro Football Focus with a 90.8 grade for the 2023 season.

Johnson has been recognized for his impressive season, including earning his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods. Now, Johnson has been named to the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-NFC team.

Johnson is set to hit the free agent market this March, but general manager Ryan Poles made it clear that it won’t come to that.

“Jaylon’s not going to go anywhere,” Poles said during his end-of-year press conference on Jan. 10.

The ideal outcome is both sides are able to agree on a long-term deal — and it certainly feels like it’s heading in that direction. But the Bears could use the franchise tag, which would pay Johnson the average of the top five salaries at his position, projected to be in the $18.41 million range according to Over The Cap.

But the message this offseason has been clear: Johnson will be back with the Bears in 2024.

Bears to play international game in London in 2024

The Bears are headed back across the pond, where they’ll host an international game in London during the 2024 season.

The Chicago Bears are headed back across the pond.

The NFL announced the Bears will host a regular-season game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London during the 2024 season.

The opponent, date and kickoff will be announced when the 2024 schedule is released, likely in May.

“Every game the Chicago Bears play is rich in tradition, culture and passion,” said Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey, via ChicagoBears.com. “And every year, game after game, we look forward to welcoming fans to experience that richness. This year, we will take our storied franchise and tradition back to London and share internationally what our fans locally experience at every game. We are excited to join the many NFL teams who are expanding internationally to play a game in London during our 2024 season.”

London will feature games involving the Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and Jacksonville Jaguars while the Carolina Panthers will play in Munich.

Since this game will count as a home contest for Chicago, their possible opponents include the Panthers, Jaguars, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans and their NFC North rivals.

But given the Vikings and Jaguars are already set to play in London, and the Panthers in Munich, we can cross them off the list.

This will mark the Bears’ fourth game in London. They previously played the Dallas Cowboys in a preseason game in 1986 and regular season games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011 and Las Vegas Raiders in 2019.

Montez Sweat is first player to lead 2 teams in sacks in single season

Bears star defender Montez Sweat made NFL history this season.

The Chicago Bears struck gold when they acquired defensive end Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders at the trade deadline.

Sweat’s addition transformed Chicago’s defense from one of the worst into one of the best in the league. He had a career year with 12.5 sacks, earning his first Pro Bowl nod. Outside of his production, Sweat’s presence freed up opportunities for others around him.

In fact, what Sweat accomplished this season has never been done before in NFL history.

With the 2023 regular season in the books, Sweat officially ended as the team leader in sacks for both the Bears (6.0) and Commanders (6.5).

Sweat has helped revamp a Chicago pass rush that was the NFL’s worst. Behind Sweat’s 6.0 sacks, defensive tackle Justin Jones had 4.5 sacks and defensive end Yannick Ngakoue finished with 4.0 sacks.

According to Pro Football Focus, Sweat finished the 2023 season with 16.0 sacks (half-sacks count as full sacks) and 63 pressures, both career highs.

After being traded to the Bears, Sweat signed a four-year extension worth $98 million, which means he’s going to be a key part of Chicago’s pass rush for years to come.

Instant analysis of Bears’ 17-9 loss vs. Packers in Week 18

The Bears went out with a whimper against the Packers. We recap Chicago’s final game of the 2023 season:

Justin Fields may have worn a Chicago Bears jersey for the last time.

In a lackluster showdown in Week 18, the Bears (7-10) were defeated by the Green Bay Packers (9-8), 17-9, marking a 10-game losing streak against their rivals.

While Fields showed flashes of brilliance, the Packers quickly dimmed his light. As the 2023 season concludes, questions will be asked, not just about Fields’ future but about the future of the coaching staff and the Bears’ first overall pick.

On offense, Chicago moved the ball efficiently on the opening drive, taking a quick 3-0 lead. But Green Bay quickly turned up the heat. The Bears’ offensive line couldn’t stand up against the Packers, and Fields was sacked five times. The most critical sack came in the fourth quarter, forcing a tough third-and-22 situation, effectively ending any chance of a Bears comeback.

Chicago’s defense played well, limiting the Packers to 17 points, which generally would’ve kept the Bears in the game. In previous wins this season, holding teams to 14 points was a winning formula. This game could have been within Chicago’s grasp with a more aggressive offense.

But oddly, the Bears played it safe, limiting Fields to only 16 pass attempts — a season low — against a defense that most teams attack through the air. Chicago took the road less traveled, and it was a dead end.

With the 2023 season over, the attention turns towards the 2024 NFL draft. The fate of the coaching staff and quarterback and the future ownership of the first overall pick are all up for debate. Fans seem mixed on all topics.

Whatever the outcome this offseason, it’ll inspire hope in the fanbase. However, people will only know if the Bears are poised for a turnaround or if fans are in for more heartache once the 2024 regular season begins.

Bears Week 18 inactives: Jaylon Johnson, Tyson Bagent OUT vs. Packers

The Bears have released their inactives ahead of their Week 18 finale against the Packers.

The Chicago Bears (7-9) have released their inactives ahead of their Week 18 game against the Green Bay Packers (8-8), where the Bears are looking to record their third consecutive win to close out the 2023 season.

Unfortunately, Chicago will be without some big players against Green Bay. The most notable inactive is cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who suffered a shoulder injury in last week’s win. Johnson, who had a career year that culminated in a Pro Bowl nod, is slated to hit free agency this offseason.

Wide receiver Darnell Mooney was previously ruled out with a concussion, and he’s also slated to hit the open market come March. Running back D’Onta Foreman is a healthy scratch for a second straight game, and it feels like he might’ve played his last down with Chicago.

Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent has been battling an illness all week, and he’s officially out. That means it’ll be Nathan Peterman serving as Justin Fields’ backup in Sunday’s finale.

Here’s a look at the Bears’ inactives:

  • CB Jaylon Johnson
  • WR Darnell Mooney
  • RB D’Onta Foreman
  • QB Tyson Bagent
  • CB Greg Stroman Jr.
  • S Quindell Johnson
  • OL Ja’Tyre Carter

Also, a look at the Packers’ inactives:

  • WR Christian Watson
  • RB AJ Dillon
  • LB Brenton Cox Jr.
  • LB Isaiah McDuffie
  • OT Caleb Jones
  • WR Grant DuBose

The Bears and Packers kick things off at 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS.

Montez Sweat has had ‘indescribable’ impact on Bears defense

The addition of Montez Sweat has transformed the Bears defense.

The Chicago Bears have sparked a late-season turnaround following a disastrous start to the 2023 season. And the addition of star defensive end Montez Sweat, acquired in a trade with the Washington Commanders, has been at the center of it. So much so that it’s been dubbed the “Tez Effect.”

“It’s pretty cool,” said head coach Matt Eberflus. “But I don’t really want to take credit for what these guys have been able to do around here.

“Man, these boys have been stepping up. They’re playing their asses off. Credit to them. I’m the one getting the credit now, but it’s really because of those boys.”

The Bears defense has improved dramatically with Sweat’s addition. They went from 28th to 20th in points allowed, 23rd to 12th in yards allowed and from 22nd to third in takeaways, per the Chicago Sun-Times. The Bears were 2-6 without Sweat, and they’re 5-3 with him.

Outside of Sweat’s individual production — which includes a career-high 12.5 sacks, leading both the Bears (6.0) and Commanders (6.5), 13 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, four pass breakups and 25 QB hits this season — his presence has opened up opportunities for those around him.

Guys like defensive tackle Justin Jones, rookie defensive tackle Gervon Dexter and defensive end DeMarcus Walker have benefited from Sweat’s addition, which has reinvigorated the defense.

“Just a big contributing factor,” said cornerback Jaylon Johnson. “Him just coming in, bringing a different energy. Kind of indescribable. We didn’t necessarily know that we needed it until he came, and it’s like, ‘Yeah, this is somebody that we needed.'”

When the Bears made the move to acquire Sweat from the Commanders at the trade deadline, there were questions about whether he would excel without other Washington stars (Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen and Chase Young) around him. Safe to say Sweat put those concerns to bed.

“I remember the first day we got Tez here,” defensive line coach Travis Smith said, “there was a lot of commentary that Tez had Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen [and Young] that are rushing there. All of a sudden, Tez is here, and now it looks like he was the one that’s allowing others opportunities. So maybe he was the part of what was happening in Washington that was allowing those other guys to have success. I think that’s a reflection on him.”

Bears expected to have Khalil Herbert and Cole Kmet vs. Packers

As the Bears look to play spoiler to the Packers, they’re expected to have Khalil Herbert and Cole Kmet in the lineup.

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for their regular season finale against the hated Green Bay Packers, where they’re looking to end the year on a high note.

The Bears are looking to snap a nine-game losing streak against the Packers, while also keeping their arch-rivals out of the postseason. The good news is they’ll have two important offensive players ready to go.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, running back Khalil Herbert and tight end Cole Kmet are expected to play against the Packers. Herbert is nursing a back injury while Kmet has been dealing with a knee injury.

Kmet has had a career year with the Bears, where he has 70 catches for 678 yards and six touchdowns. He’s been one of quarterback Justin Fields’ most dependable weapons, and he’ll be key in this passing game.

Meanwhile, Herbert is coming off back-to-back 100-yard rushing games, and he’ll be a big part of their offensive gameplan as Chicago looks to play spoiler to Green Bay.

The Bears and Packers kick things off at 3:25 p.m. on CBS.

Bears vs. Packers: How to watch, listen and stream Week 18 game

The Bears are looking to close out the season with a win over the hated Packers. Here’s how to watch, listen and stream the Week 18 game.

The Chicago Bears (7-9) will face the Green Bay Packers (8-8) in Week 18, where Chicago is looking to close out the season on a three-game winning streak and snap a nine-game winning streak against Green Bay.

The Bears might’ve been eliminated from postseason contention last week, but they can still help keep the Packers out of the playoffs with a win.

Here’s how you can tune into the Week 18 matchup:

Game Information

Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers

Date: Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024

Time: 3:25 p.m. CT

Location: Lambeau Field (Green Bay, Wis.)

Television

CBS

Announcers

Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Tony Romo (analyst), Tracy Wolfson (sideline)

Stream

FuboTV (try it for free)

Radio

ESPN 1000 (Chicago)

Satellite Radio

Bears feed: XM 382

Packers feed: XM 227

Betting Odds (via BetMGM)

  • Spread: Bears (+3)
  • Money line: Bears (+135), Packers (-160)
  • Over/Under: 45

NFL Wire Site

Packers Wire

2023 Schedule

Week Date Opponent Time (CT)
1 Sept. 10 vs. Green Bay Packers 3:25 p.m.
2 Sept. 17 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12 p.m.
3 Sept. 24 at Kansas City Chiefs 3:25 p.m.
4 Oct. 1 vs. Denver Broncos 12 p.m.
5 Oct. 5 at Washington Commanders* 7:15 p.m.
6 Oct. 15 vs. Minnesota Vikings 12 p.m.
7 Oct. 22 vs. Las Vegas Raiders 12 p.m.
8 Oct. 29 at Los Angeles Chargers* 7:20 p.m.
9 Nov. 5 at New Orleans Saints 12 p.m.
10 Nov. 12 vs. Carolina Panthers* 7:15 p.m.
11 Nov. 19 at Detroit Lions 12 p.m.
12 Nov. 26 at Minnesota Vikings* 7:15 p.m.
13 BYE WEEK
14 Dec. 10 vs. Detroit Lions 12 p.m.
15 Dec. 17 at Cleveland Browns 12 p.m.
16 Dec. 24 vs. Arizona Cardinals 3:25 p.m.
17 Dec. 31 vs. Atlanta Falcons 12 p.m.
18 TBD at Green Bay Packers TBD

*prime-time game