The Chicago Bears went from last place in the NFC North to first place and hosting a playoff game this weekend, and they have gotten some serious national kudos with four players being named to the Associated Press All-Pro team.
Three of those players were on the defensive side of the ball, as cornerback Kyle Fuller, safety Eddie Jackson, and edge rusher Khalil Mack all made the cut.
On special teams, Tarik Cohen made the list as a punt returner.
Fuller tied for the NFL lead with seven interceptions this season, continuing to blossom under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Fuller had signed an offer sheet with the Green Bay Packers before the season began, but the Bears opted to match it and the corner made the most of his opportunity.
Jackson has five defensive touchdowns over the last two seasons, including three this season. He has quickly emerged as one of the league’s top safeties, and he will figure to be in the Bears’ long-term plans for many years to come.
Mack, of course, was one of the NFL’s most dominant figures this season, racking up 12.5 sacks despite missing several games due to injury. He made a massive difference in the team’s pass rush, and freed up space for the Bears to become one of the NFL’s most lethal teams in terms of getting to the quarterback.
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On the season, Cohen returned 33 punts for a total of 411 yards, averaging 12.5 yards per return. He did not score any touchdowns this season, but his big-play ability was enough to earn him spots on both the AP All-Pro team and the NFL Pro Bowl roster.
Here is the full roster:
OFFENSE:
QB: Patrick Mahomes, KC
RB: Todd Gurley, LAR
Flex: Tyreek Hill, KC
Tight End: Travis Kelce, KC
WR: Michael Thomas, NO
DeAndre Hopkins, HOU
LT: David Bakhtiari, GB
RT: Mitchell Schwartz, KC
LG: Quenton Nelson, IND
RG: Zack Martin, DAL
C: Jason Kelce, PHI
Chicago Bears Fans Ink Their Team Pride
DEFENSE:
Edge Rushers: JJ Watt, HOU
Khalil Mack, CHI
Interior Linemen: Aaron Donald, LAR
Fletcher Cox, PHI
LB: Luke Kuechly, CAR
Bobby Wagner, SEA
Darius Leonard, IND
CB: Kyle Fuller, CHI
Stephon Gilmore, NE
S: Eddie Jackson, CHI
Derwin James, LAC
DB: Desmond King, LAC
SPECIAL TEAMS:
PK: Justin Tucker, BAL
P: Michael Dickson, SEA
KR: Andre Roberts, NYJ
PR: Tarik Cohen, CHI
Special Teamer: Adrian Phillips, LAC
The players on the All-Pro team are voted on by football writers of the Associated Press.
