The Latest Breaking News from Jaylon Johnson

We are standing at the beginning of the Bears’ inevitable, inescapable moment of change. The decisions that will be made all predicated on this five-game assessment capsule will determine what the upcoming five-year future of the franchise will be.

The Bears talked about taking the ball away for two years. They’ve been living it for two games.

Jaylon Johnson paid homage to Randy Moss with a revealing celebration during the Bears-Vikings game in Week 12.

The Bears cornerback needs to make the most of his big-play chances to be as good as he thinks he is. But just having those opportunities in recent games is an indication that as Matt Eberflus’ improving defense grows, Johnson’s impact will increase as well.

With newly acquired defensive end Montez Sweat fueling a much-improved pass rush, the Bears’ defense has seven takeaways in the last two games, after getting just nine in the first 10 games. “I like where our defense is right now in a lot of ways,” coach Matt Eberflus said.

Finally, though, the Bears quarterback closed out a game. On third-and-10 from the Vikings’ 49 with 1:06 to play, Fields found receiver DJ Moore in the middle of the field for a 36-yard gain to set up a 30-yard Cairo Santos field goal.

The Bears were on the verge of another embarrassing defeat, but won on a last-minute field goal.

Hey, sometimes, you just call it as you see it.

Fields was near-perfect in the first quarter and struggled in the second, and the Bears and Vikings are tied 3-3 at halftime.

The Bears’ defense showed signs of becoming a force, with three takeaways against the Lions last week before collapsing in the fourth quarter. Now they need to develop the mental toughness it takes to finish. “Finishing is ... 90% mental, 10% talent,” safety Jaquan Brisker said.

When it comes to trying to bounce back from a crushing loss, the Bears have had a lot of practice.