Mark Potash
Chicago Bears reporter
Mark Potash covers the Chicago Bears for the Chicago Sun-Times.
While his diminished production in Luke Getsy’s offense remains a mystery, Mooney will keep plugging away — with an eye toward beating the Packers in Week 18 — rather than complain about his role or his fit in the offense. “I will not be a distraction,” he said.
The Browns rank No. 1 in total defense, but good offenses score against them — like the Rams (34 points), Broncos (27), Ravens (26) and Jaguars (27). “I feel great. I love our team. I love our guys,” Getsy said. “I think our guys give us an opportunity to do that.”
The Sun-Times’ experts offer their picks for the Bears’ game Sunday in Cleveland:
The veteran defensive end is out for the season after breaking his ankle against the Lions on Sunday. DeMarcus Walker is first in line to replace Ngakoue — who had four sacks in 13 games — followed by Rasheem Green and Dominique Robinson.
After struggling to find a groove amid high expectations following his impressive rookie season, the second-year safety from Penn State has been making a bigger impact in recent games — including 17 tackles against the Lions on Sunday.
GM Ryan Poles has some big decisions to make, but with an improving defense, a developing offensive line and likely the No. 1 pick in the draft, the Bears will be headed in the right direction in 2024 whether or not Matt Eberflus is the coach, Luke Getsy is the offensive coordinator and Justin Fields is the quarterback.
Defensive end Myles Garrett and the Browns are No. 1 in yards allowed but tied for 14th in points allowed — giving up 24 points or more vs. the Jaguars, Rams, Broncos and Ravens in the past five games. So it’s a challenge, but also an opportunity for Fields and Getsy.
Leading by 12 in the fourth quarter, the Bears atoned for their collapse against the Lions at Ford Field with three sacks, five tackles for loss and an interception to cap a dominant second half.
The Bears were down to three healthy receivers with Equanimeous St. Brown (pectoral) out and Tyler Scott (hamstring) and Velus Jones (illness) questionable. Johnson has 29 receptions for 377 yards and two TDs with the Jaguars (2020) and Giants (2021).