Locals in the NFL: Jaylon Johnson had 2 picks in Chicago's win. Will Bears 'make it rain'?

AROUND THE SHIELD — Jaylon Johnson used his first interception in more than two years to send a message to the Chicago Bears.

Then he did it again.

The former University of Utah cornerback had three tackles, two interceptions and a 39-yard pick six in the Bears' 30-12 win Sunday over the Las Vegas Raiders.

Moments after finding the end zone after pulling in one of Brian Hoyer's errant passes in the fourth quarter, Johnson found the end zone camera, took off his helmet and pantomimed imaginary dollar bills off his gloves, a gesture commonly referred to as "make it rain."

When asked if he was "sending a message" after his pick six, Johnson responded shortly and affirmatively: "Damn right. 100%"

"I've been wanting to get to the table," he told NBC Sports Chicago. "I know who I am, and I know I can play this game at a high level. I feel like I deserve to get paid like that. I'm taking that attitude for any team in the NFL. If it's with the Bears, then I'll do that. If it's with anybody else, for sure. I feel like I'm one of those guys who can be paid at a high level."

Johnson, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, is set to make just shy of $3 million this season, according to Over The Cap.

The win is just the second of the year for the Bears (2-5), and the first under rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent. The 23-year-old undrafted free agent from Division II Shepherd University replaced injured starter Justin Fields and threw for 162 yards and a touchdown in Chicago's first home win since Sept. 25, 2022.

If Shepherd showed he can play, why not Johnson?

"It feels good for me, gives me confidence, knowing that I can make plays," Johnson said. "I know at the end of the day, it's about opportunities, and I don't want to miss any opportunities. It felt good today being able to capitalize, and reassured me of who I am and what I can do."

Here's a look at how other former Utah high school and college football stars performed in Week 7 of the 2023 NFL regular season:

• Former BYU star Puka Nacua continues to set records in his rookie season. The Orem High product caught eight passes for a game-high 154 yards in the Los Angeles Rams' 24-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, joining former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Ja'Marr Chase as the only players in NFL history to total 700-plus receiving yards in their first seven games.
• Former East High star Jaylen Warren ran for 32 yards and his first touchdown of the season in the Steelers' win.

Monday Night Football

Minnesota 22, San Francisco 17

Vikings (3-4)

• Jaren Hall, QB, BYU/Maple Mountain: Active, but did not play.
• Khyiris Tonga, DT, BYU/Granger: Reserve defensive lineman also played on special teams.

49ers (5-2)

• Fred Warner, LB, BYU: Starting linebacker totaled 13 tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass defended on defense.
• Mitch Wishnowsky, P, Utah: Punted one time for 62 yards, plus five other snaps on special teams.

Sunday Night Football

Philadelphia 31, Miami 17

Eagles (6-1)

• Sua Opeta, OG, Weber State/Stansbury: Started at right guard on offense.
• Britain Covey, WR/RS, Utah/Timpview: Reserve receiver also played on special teams.

Dolphins (5-2)

• Chris Brooks, RB, BYU: Placed on injured reserve Friday (ankle).

Sunday afternoon

Baltimore 38, Detroit 6

Ravens (5-2)

• Tyler Huntley, QB, Utah: Backup quarterback attempted one pass on offense.
• Marcus Williams, S, Utah: Inactive for Week 7.
• Kyle Van Noy, LB, BYU: Reserve linebacker had five tackles and two sacks on defense.

Lions (5-2)

• Penei Sewell, OT, Desert Hills (via Oregon): Started at right tackle on offense.

Chicago 30, Las Vegas 12

Bears (2-5)

• Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah: Starting defensive back had three tackles, two interceptions, and a 39-yard pick six on defense.
• Patrick Scales, LS, Utah State/Weber: Played eight snaps on special teams.
• Noah Sewell, LB, Orem (via Oregon): Reserve linebacker also played on special teams.

Raiders (3-4)

• Andre James, OC, Herriman (via UCLA): Started at center on offense.

Cleveland 39, Indianapolis 38

Browns (4-2)

• Sione Takitaki, LB, BYU: Inactive for Week 7.
• Mohamoud Diabate, LB, Utah: Reserve tackle made one tackle on special teams.
• Siaki Ika, DT, East (via Baylor): Inactive for Week 7.

Colts (3-4)

• Blake Freeland, OT, BYU/Herriman: Started at right tackle on offense.
• Julian Blackmon, S, Utah/Layton: Starting safety had five tackles, two tackles for loss, two passes defended and an interception on defense.
• Matt Gay, K, Utah/UVU/Orem: Kicked 27-yard field goal, three extra points, and seven kickoffs on special teams.
• Zack Moss, RB, Utah: Reserve running back ran for 57 yards on 18 carries and caught one pass for 5 yards on offense.

New England 29, Buffalo 25

Patriots (2-5)

• No locals on the active roster.

Bills (4-3)

• Taron Johnson, CB, Weber State: Starting nickel had four tackles and a pass defended on defense.
• Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah: Starting tight end caught eight passes for a team-high 75 yards on offense and made a tackle on an interception return.

New York 14, Washington 7

Giants (2-5)

• No locals on the active roster.

Commanders (3-4)

• Cody Barton, LB, Utah/Brighton: Starting linebacker made one tackle on defense before leaving with an injury (ankle).
• Tyler Larsen, OC, Utah State/Jordan: Reserve center also played on special teams.

Atlanta 16, Tampa Bay 13

Falcons (4-3)

• Tyler Allgeier, RB, BYU: Starting running back ran for a game-high 59 yards on 21 carries and caught three passes for 53 yards on offense.
• Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah: Inactive for Week 7.
• Kaden Elliss, LB, Judge Memorial (via Idaho): Starting linebacker had six tackles and a tackle for loss on defense.

Buccaneers (3-3)

• Deven Thompkins, WR, Utah State: Reserve receiver caught three passes for 14 yards with a fumble on offense, returned one punt for 3 yards with a fair catch, and returned two kicks for 50 yards on special teams.

Pittsburgh 24, Los Angeles 17

Steelers (4-2)

• Jaylen Warren, RB, Utah State/Snow/East (via Oklahoma State): Reserve running back ran for 32 yards on six carries, including a 13-yard touchdown, and caught a screen pass for a loss on offense.
• Miles Killebrew, S, Southern Utah: Reserve safety also played on special teams.

Rams (3-4)

• Puka Nacua, WR, BYU/Orem: Starting wide receiver caught eight passes for a game-high 154 yards on offense and had a tackle on an interception.
• Jonah Williams, DE, Weber State: Starting defensive end made two tackles on defense.

Seattle 20, Arizona 10

Seahawks (4-2)

• Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah State: Starting linebacker collected nine tackles on defense.

Cardinals (1-6)

• Leki Fotu, DT, Utah/Herriman: Starting defensive tackle made three stops on defense.

Denver 19, Green Bay 17

Broncos (2-5)

• Garett Bolles, OT, Utah/Snow/Westlake: Started at left tackle on offense.

Packers (2-4)

• Jordan Love, QB, Utah State: Starting quarterback completed 21-of-31 passes for 180 yards, two touchdowns and an interception on offense.
• Dallin Leavitt, S, Utah State/BYU: Reserve safety also played on special teams.
• Zayne Anderson, S, BYU/Stansbury: Inactive for Week 7.

Kansas City 31, Los Angeles 17

Chiefs (6-1)

• No locals on the active roster, but coached by former BYU offensive lineman and graduate assistant Andy Reid.

Chargers (2-4)

• Michael Davis, CB, BYU: Starting cornerback had four tackles and a tackle for loss on defense.
• Alohi Gilman, S, Orem (via Notre Dame): Inactive for Week 7.

Thursday Night Football

Jacksonville 31, New Orleans 24

Jaguars (5-2)

• Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah: Starting linebacker totaled 11 tackles and a pass defended in 89 snaps on defense and six more on special teams.

Saints (3-4)

• Taysom Hill, QB/TE, BYU: Starting tight end ran for 18 yards and a touchdown, caught four passes for 50 yards, and played 52 snaps on offense and 10 on special teams.
• Jamaal Williams, RB, BYU: Reserve running back ran for 14 yards on five carries in 20 snaps on offense.
• Nephi Sewell, LB, Utah/Desert Hills: Reserve linebacker made one tackle in 21 snaps on special teams.
• Rashid Shaheed, WR/RS, Weber State: Reserve receiver caught four passes for 28 yards with a 4-yard rush, and added three fair catches on punt returns in 63 offensive snaps and 12 on special teams.

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