It was another gritty game for the Chicago Bears with the massive number of injuries, but they pulled it out with a 31-28 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12.
Backup linebackers D'March Jackson and Amen Ogbongbemiga had a combined 29 tackles for the Bears in the win. Despite losing the time of possession by about seven minutes, the Bears were able to capture their eighth win of the season.
While there were some down performances, there were plenty of great performances that deserve praise from the Bears fan base.
Winner: D'Marco Jackson, LB
With the top three linebackers hurt and rookie Ruben Hyppolite II getting injured in the game, it all fell on Jackson to step up with the green dot on his helmet, making the calls to step up. Jackson was great, leading the Bears with 15 tackles and recording one tackle for loss. In his first career start, Jackson showed he deserves more playing time.
Loser: D'Andre Swift, RB
It's been a solid season for Swift, but he seemed to have hit a wall in the Steelers game. He had eight carries for 15 yards and a 14-yard reception, but he did have a fumble in the game. Swift would like to forget that game and move on, as he now has to be careful with rookie Kyle Monanagai outperforming him.
Winner: Nahshon Wright, CB
Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are close to returning from injury, but Wright wanted to make sure that if he heads back to the bench, he goes out in style. Wright had an early first-quarter interception, while adding six tackles and two pass deflections in the win. After making his league-leading fifth interception of the year, Wright has helped himself to a big payday coming in the offseason.
Loser: Theo Benedet, LT
Benedet missed the Steelers game with a quad injury, but it might have been one that could cost him his job. Everyone was talking about his replacement, rookie Ozzy Trapilo, and his performance in the game, as he allowed just one pressure on 41 pass protection calls. After Benedet's recent struggles, he might have to watch over his shoulders with Trapilo there.
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Winner: Montez Sweat, DE
After one sack in the first five games of the season, Sweat has been on fire, with the Steelers game being his best of the season. Sweat had two sacks in the game, and if it hadn't been for a penalty might have had a third sack. There's no question the Bears are finally getting their full investment out of Sweat as he works his way to a Pro Bowl selection.