Johnson and Sweat named to Pro Bowl
In recent news, Chicago Bears defensive back Jaylon Johnson and defensive lineman Montez Sweat were named to the 2024 NFL Pro Bowl Games.
Johnson, a first-time Pro Bowler, according to the Chicago Bears, tallied 36 tackles (31 solo), four interceptions, 10 passes defensed, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble and one defensive touchdown in 14 games (14 starts) this season.
From Weeks 12-15, he allowed only 27 yards, caught two interceptions, forced four incompletions, and held opposing quarterbacks to a 9.7 passer rating, while being the primary defender (Pro Football Focus).
Through the first 14 weeks, he limited opposing quarterbacks to a 26.2 passer rating when targeted in single coverage, the lowest figure among all cornerbacks in 2023, and allowed only 185 yards through the first 15 weeks (PFF).
“It is special that God has blessed me with the opportunity and favor to be selected for the Pro Bowl,” Johnson said, via the Chicago Bears.
“I’m thankful for all of those who have played a role in my success because when I win, we all win.”
The Bears said Johnson had a career outing in Week 7 with a two-interception performance against the Raiders. It was his first multi-interception game and the first by a Bears defender since 2020 (Roquan Smith – Week 16). Both of Johnson’s interceptions came in the fourth quarter. The last Bears defender to log multiple interceptions in the fourth quarter of a game was Kyle Fuller in Week 2 of 2014 against the 49ers.
Sweat is also heading to the Pro Bowl Games for the first time.
After being acquired from the Commanders, he made an immediate impact following his Bears debut in Week 9. Since adding Sweat, the Bears defense ranks tied for second in takeaways (18), fifth in points allowed per game (18.0), seventh in total yards allowed per game (310.5) and ninth in passing yards allowed per game (204.6). They have also totaled 19.0 sacks since Week 9, after recording just 10.0 in Weeks 1-8, the Bears said.
“I am honored to be voted and selected to my first Pro Bowl and represent the great city of Chicago,” said Sweat, via the Chicago Bears.
“What makes this honor special is the fans played a role in me being selected. I am truly grateful for my teammates, coaches, support staff and my family for all the support this season. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
The Bears said Sweat has started all 16 games of the 2023 season for the Commanders and the Bears, accounting for 54 tackles (36 solo), 12.5 sacks, 25 quarterback hits, 13 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and four passes defensed.
He leads both the Bears (6.0) and Commanders (6.5) in sacks this season, becoming the first player in NFL history to lead two teams in sacks at any point in a season.
Since joining the Bears, Sweat has 22 total tackles (15 solo), 6.0 sacks, 14 quarterback hits and three passes defensed. In Week 15 against the Browns, Sweat logged seven tackles (five solo), three quarterback hits and a career-high 2.5 sacks. This marked his third consecutive game with more than three quarterback hits, the Bears added.
The Bears said Johnson and Sweat are the first Bears players to be selected to the Pro Bowl games since defensive lineman Robert Quinn and return specialist Jakeem Grant in 2021.
Joseph Phillips is the Sports Editor for the Chicago Crusader Newspaper. He is a Chicago native, who has been a sports writer for over 17 years. He also hosts the SC Media News and Sports Network Q&A radio show on WHPK 88.5 FM Chicago.
