Matt Eberflus has different ways he finds to motivate his players. His tried and true method is through the loafing system. Players are graded on each and every play, with coaches determining if they gave their full effort or loafed. Another is through competitions. Players who create big plays receive special prizes. However, one of his personal favorites is assigning nicknames to specific guys who earn them. He’s already assigned ones to multiple members of the secondary. Jaquan Brisker is “Mako,” after mako shark. Kyler Gordon is “Spider-Man” thanks to his ridiculous athletic capability and instincts. Now it appears Jaylon Johnson has earned his.
The former 2nd round pick is in the midst of the best season of his career, collecting four interceptions and ranking among the NFL’s best in almost every category. Eberflus was mic’d up before the game against the Arizona Cardinals. He was making the rounds during warmups, offering words of encouragement. When he reached Johnson, he delivered the nickname with a huge smile on his face.
“Dragon Slayer!”
Once again, Eberflus nailed it with Jaylon Johnson.
The shark and Spider-Man nicknames were fitting for Brisker and Gordon. They got an accurate sense of how both players approached the game. This one for Johnson is perfect as well. As the #1 cornerback on the team, his job is often to line up against the other team’s best wide receiver and shut them down. Every time he’s had the opportunity in 2023, he’s done that. Some of the best receivers in the league haven’t been able to do much of anything against him. Hence, he’s like a knight slaying the dragon.
There is no question Jaylon Johnson has found a home in Eberflus’ defense. It allows him to play his best style of game. It has also allowed him to set himself up for a massive payday after the season is over. There is a strong likelihood Johnson will become one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league going into next year. GM Ryan Poles has repeatedly expressed a desire to get a deal done. The hope is he can find that common ground before the franchise tag deadline in the spring.
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Cody “My snapping is so bad, I’m giving my HC” Whitehair.
See? Skience.
Personally, I could use a little more Nathan Vasher (Interceptor) to his game, instead of Nmandi Asomugha (deuce).
There are many stats and lame-o-metrics proving the cooler your nickname, the better player you become. This is a fact, proven many times over, by many stats people that do stat stuff. Don’t even try to debate this, because you will lose, as again, I’ve stated, there are many numbers and complicated equations that support this.
Jaylon told Eberflus “my best friends call me CASH”.
Makes sense to me, Pooch.
In a contract year with millions of dollars on the table, I am going to chase less tail, party less, work out harder, eat better, go to bed earlier, study my ass off, and be super focused. These guys are not machines. I would guess stats back up contract years having significant gains. You hope they carry over their good habits.