Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson and defensive finish Montez Sweat have been named Pro Bowlers for the primary time Wednesday.
Johnson’s choice to the 2024 Pro Bowl Games, which will likely be held in Orlando, Fla., in early February, comes amid a profession season for the fourth-year Bears participant. Johnson has 4 interceptions, together with a pick-six, 10 passes defended, a pressured fumble and 36 tackles in 14 video games.
He has allowed a career-low 50.9 passer ranking by opposing quarterbacks, in keeping with Pro Football Reference.
“It is special that God has blessed me with the opportunity and favor to be selected for the Pro Bowl,” Johnson mentioned in an announcement launched by the Bears. “I’m thankful for all of those who have played a role in my success because when I win, we all win.”
Johnson has been open about aiming to be an All-Pro on this contract season, after which the Bears should attempt to both work out an extension, use the franchise or transition tag, or let Johnson stroll into free company. But he’ll begin with the Pro Bowl, his first postseason honor.
Cornerbacks coach Jon Hoke mentioned final month he was thrilled to see Johnson produce the way in which he has in a contract 12 months.
“He’s really smart. And smart people figure things out,” Hoke mentioned. “He has realized and understands the sport of soccer very, very effectively. … He is aware of the route mixtures. He understands what the quarterback can and might’t do.
“He watches massive amounts of tape and he does a really good job. At the end of the day, he’s obviously gifted athletically. But he is really smart.”
Sweat additionally earned his first choice whereas splitting his 2023 season between the Washington Commanders and the Bears.
The fifth-year defensive finish, whom the Bears acquired from the Commanders on Oct. 31 in change for a 2024 second-round choose, has a career-high 12 1/2 sacks this 12 months. He additionally has 25 quarterback hits, 4 passes defended, three pressured fumbles, 54 tackles and 13 tackles for a loss in 16 video games between each groups.
The Bears have raved in regards to the “Tez Effect” — the way in which Sweat has made his defensive teammates higher since arriving in Chicago. According to the Bears, the protection is tied for second in takeaways with 18 and is fifth with 18 factors allowed per sport since Sweat arrived. The Bears additionally had 19 sacks in that span.
“Tez has just been fantastic with his approach since he’s been here. He’s got great energy. He’s a great teammate,” coach Matt Eberflus mentioned final month. “It’s an uptick (in production) because of a great pass rusher. That’s what he is. They have to lean more attention to him. … He definitely helps others. It’s been an uptick in a lot of ways from the turnovers, and it enabled us to play more coverage and not pressure as much on those situational downs and get home with four.”
Pro Bowl choices are made up of fan, coach and participant voting. Johnson and Sweat are the primary Bears gamers to be chosen to the Pro Bowl since defensive finish Robert Quinn and return specialist Jakeem Grant in 2021.
Multiple Bears gamers made it into the highest 5 within the fan voting portion of the choice course of, together with Johnson, Sweat, security Jaquan Brisker, kicker Cairo Santos, linebacker T.J. Edwards and guard Teven Jenkins.
Among the previous Bears gamers to make the Pro Bowl this 12 months are Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith.
The NFL moved from the standard Pro Bowl to the Pro Bowl Games final 12 months. The new model encompasses a collection of AFC versus NFC matchups, together with expertise competitions and a flag soccer sport.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com