Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson has been under scrutiny for his performance this season. Surprisingly, it’s a play without a pass that has drawn the most attention. During the second quarter of the Bears’ game against the New England Patriots in Week 7, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye scrambled on a second-and-3. Johnson left his mark, A.J. Brown, to tackle Maye. However, Maye dodged inside, advancing 15 yards to the Bears’ 15-yard line. Bears linebacker D’Marco Jackson intercepted Maye on the subsequent play, preventing further damage, yet questions remain about Johnson’s tackle attempt.
Fans and analysts are debating if Johnson’s effort was lacking or if he misjudged the angle. Former Bears center Olin Kreutz posted on social media, questioning Johnson’s tackling compared to how another player was benched after a fumble. Johnson acknowledged the need for improvement, stating he must refine his angles and pursuit techniques.
Johnson signed a four-year, $76 million contract extension in March 2024 after a standout season. Head coach Ben Johnson noted players are evaluated continuously, hinting at reduced playing time for underperformers. Several players, including Kyler Gordon and Malik Muhammad II, could step in if needed, although they have their challenges.
Statistically, Johnson’s performance has declined this season. He recorded his best game of the season during Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons, where he allowed only 5 yards on four targets. However, the previous week saw him allowing 106 yards and a perfect passer rating against the Green Bay Packers. Johnson attributes these issues to collective errors by the defense.
Former Bears corner Charles “Peanut” Tillman advised Johnson to revisit past successful strategies. Despite acknowledging a slump, he expressed hope for Johnson’s improvement, recognizing his consistent athleticism. Johnson expressed determination to refine his play, insisting no one critiques his performance more stringently than himself.
Johnson’s reliance on team dynamics is evident. Cornerbacks don’t operate alone; their success hinges on overall defensive execution. General Manager Ryan Poles emphasized the importance of the pass rush, expecting newcomer Jeffery Simmons to enhance coverage effectiveness through increased pressure.
The Bears aim to address these defensive challenges promptly, facing the Seattle Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a formidable opponent in the upcoming matchup. Johnson acknowledged Smith-Njigba’s ability to make plays in various situations, recognizing the need to be at their best defensively.
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