D’Marco Jackson has been a pleasant surprise for the Chicago Bears this season.
The third-year linebacker joined the Bears in late August, when Chicago claimed him after he was waived by the New Orleans Saints. Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was familiar with Jackson after they spent two years together in New Orleans, and the young LB has been a very good depth addition.
Jackson’s third quarter interception off Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders was the first pick of his career, and he also had the first sack of his career in the first quarter. It was a performance that earned Jackson a game ball from head coach Ben Johnson after the team’s 31-3 win.
Johnson said the pick “ignited” the team, and it did. But when saying a few words after getting a game ball, Jackson revealed he was already thinking about the rival Packers, who head to Soldier Field Week 16.
Bears’ D’Marco Jackson Gets Game Ball, Has Message on Beating Packers Week 16
GettyLB D’Marco Jackson of the Chicago Bears got a game ball Week 15, but he sent a message about Week 16, and beating the Green Bay Packers.
“I’m proud of how we came out here and executed, but I ain’t going to lie to you, still got a bad taste in my mouth from last week, bruh,” Jackson told his teammates after getting the game ball. “We got to get or get back versus these boys coming up next week.”
Entering their matchup vs. the Browns, the Bears had just dropped a hard-fought contest against the rival Packers Week 14, and they needed a win to stay relevant in a contentious NFC playoff race. They got the ‘W,’ and Jackson’s play was a big contributor.
His pick of Sanders was a thing of beauty. Midway through the third quarter, he got his hands on a pass over the middle, tipped it into the air, and hauled it in, returning it to the Browns’ 22-yard line. One play later, the Bears scored a touchdown, building their lead to 21-3.
“I think that was a game changer to me,” Johnson said after the game. “Correct me if I’m wrong, was the score 14-3 at that point? We really needed it because we were able to capitalize and make that into 21-3, and it felt like we took firm control of the game there at that point. He’s done such a great job coming in at the end of training camp. … I know he had some familiarity there with DA, but to go from a guy contributing on special teams to playing significant snaps at MIKE linebacker, I think that’s a big credit to him.”
The Bears lost multiple starters at LB at various points this season, with T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds each having respective stints on injured reserve. Jackson has filled in nicely, appearing in 13 games and starting four for Chicago.
Now, he and the rest of the squad will get the chance to wash that bad taste out of their mouths.
Week 16’s Game Will Be Huge for Both Teams
Chicago and Green Bay will face off again in Week 16, this time at Soldier Field. The NFL flexed the game and put it in prime time, and it’s going to be hugely important for both teams. Both playoff seeding and the NFC North title are at stake.
The Packers won the first matchup, 28–21 in Week 14. But the Bears were very much in that game, failing only to get a game-winning TD in the final seconds. Instead, QB Caleb Williams threw an interception. Now, the Bears and Johnson will need to be better this time around in order to avoid the dreaded sweep.
The Bears lead the NFL in turnover differential (+20), and their 21 interceptions also lead the league. If Allen’s defense can do a better job of containing Packers QB Jordan Love this time around, Chicago has a real chance to getting their get back.
Bears Defender’s Breakout Game Sparks Message Ahead of Packers Rematch