The NFL has announced its punishment for one Detroit Lions player who received an unnecessary roughness penalty against Chicago Bears’ rookie running back Kyle Monangai in Week 18’s matchup.
According to the NFL’s Gameday Accountability website, the league issued a $17,389 fine to Lions linebacker Jack Campbell for a hip-drop tackle on Monangai during the first quarter.
The Bears went on to lose 19-16 to the Lions, and there were no other fines for either team. A total of 21 fines were handed out from Week 18’s games.
Bears Looking Forward to Divisional Playoff Matchup
It wasn’t the way Chicago wanted to end the season by any means, but they have a chance to make a statement in the playoff matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
“This was the vision from the beginning – to have some home playoff games at Soldier Field,” head coach Ben Johnson said earlier this week. “I was really excited about that opportunity and to see that come to light this year, it’s a big credit to the guys. The fact that you win the division, you have home playoff games, that’s huge. That’s why we do what we do. Now we’ve earned this opportunity and we’ve got to make the most out of it.”
Second-year quarterback Caleb Williams isn’t shying away from an opportunity to shine on a massive stage against a division rival, saying he’s ‘built for these moments.’
“I think I am built for these moments mentality wise how I’ve worked. I’ve been in a bunch of big games before and a bunch of big rival games. In those moments and in these moments, I think I can provide a spark for the team. I think I can do whatever my team needs me to do.”
It won’t be an easy matchup against Green Bay, and the Bears will look to rely on an excellent offensive line and running back duo to come out victorious.
Bears Look to Rely on Stellar Offensive Line, Running Back Tandem
The NFL announced the official AP All-Pro teams, with two offensive line starters making the prestigious team: left guard Joe Thuney and right tackle Darnell Wright.
Thuney made the first-team AP All-Pro, while Wright made the second-team AP All-Pro. Thuney received the most votes among all left guards (109 total votes, 31 first-place votes), while Wright received the second-most among all right tackles (31 total votes, five first-place votes).
With a stellar offensive line, Chicago’s running back tandem has blossomed and helped the Bears finish third in the NFL in team rushing this season, averaging 144.5 yards per game.
With the Wild Card matchup against Green Bay expected to have 20-30 mph wind gusts and freezing temperatures around 33 degrees Fahrenheit, expect the Bears to lean on the run game with Monangai and D’Andre Swift.
NFL Announces Lions’ Punishment for Bears’ Kyle Monangai Interaction