Throughout the 2025 NFL season, the Chicago Bears have had to rely on backups to play meaningful reps.
D’Marco Jackson is just one of the many examples of how valuable it is to have quality depth on a roster.
In the Bears' dominant 31-3 victory over the Browns at Soldier Field, D’Marco Jackson finished the Week 15 matchup with seven total tackles, including one interception and a sack.
Jackson’s performance earned him a game ball and a postgame locker room speech.
“I’m proud of how we came out here and executed,” Jackson said. “But I ain’t going to lie to you, bro. I still got a bad taste in my mouth from last week, bruh. We got to get our get back vs. these boys coming up next week.”
Jackson has stepped up for the Bears over the last month
Of course, Jackson is referencing the 28-21 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Week 14. After the Packers’ loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday, the Bears have reclaimed the top spot in the NFC North, making this Week 16 game a pivotal one for playoff positioning.
But before looking ahead to next week, Jackson helped the Bears secure a win over the Browns. His interception in the third quarter was a massive swing in the game. Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders tried to fit a ball to tight end Harold Fannin Jr., but Jackson jumped the slant and created the takeaway.
On the next play for the Bears’ offense, Caleb Williams found DJ Moore for a touchdown to make it a 21-3 game.
Head coach Ben Johnson referenced that game-changing pick before giving the game ball to Jackson.
“I got two game balls that I’m going to give out here today,” Johnson said. “First one is this, going into the third quarter, took us just a second to get going. But I’m telling you, once this play happened, it really ignited the rest of the way, ok. D Jack, that interception was huge.”
The Bears claimed Jackson off waivers in late August. The veteran linebacker was familiar with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen when the two were with the New Orleans Saints. Jackson spent two seasons with Allen.
Read more: Bears caught massive break after news of Packers star's season-altering injury
Although Jackson only made 26 total tackles in two seasons, Allen and the Bears clearly saw more with Jackson than he had previously showcased in his career, and the addition has been a massive pickup for the Bears’ defense.