In his short time with the Chicago Bears, Jaylon Johnson encountered different defensive coordinators, from Chuck Pagano to Alan Williams and Matt Eberflus. Each brought different styles to the table. Johnson excelled in all of them because he is that caliber of player. However, there was always one annoying issue with those schemes, at least in his mind. The coaches would never let him follow the opposing team’s #1 wide receiver across the field. He was always required to man a specific area and cover whoever lined up across from him. To a competitor like Johnson, that was an affront. His entire goal is to measure himself against the best.
It appears his wish is finally about to come true. New Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is taking over moving forward. While he also runs a 4-3 alignment like Eberflus did, his approach is wildly different. Where Eberflus liked to play heavy zone and keep everything in front of the defense, Allen is far more aggressive. He likes to man up on the wide receivers and attack the quarterback. Such a scheme requires a cornerback who can keep the opponent’s best in check. That is what Johnson will be asked to do.
Jaylon Johnson believes he can handle this role.
Allen’s defenses have always been at their best when they have a corner of such caliber. Everything came together in New Orleans when they drafted Marshon Lattimore in 2017. His Broncos unit in 2011 had Champ Bailey. It probably isn’t a coincidence his Oakland Raiders defenses never quite got over the hump since they failed to add a good cover corner in those three years. Allen must’ve been thrilled to already have Jaylon Johnson on the roster, along with Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson. If those three play up to their capabilities, this defense has a chance to be really good right out of the gate. There is no doubt that respect for Johnson’s ability might finally be recognized with this new approach.
Wow, coaches that are gonna play to a players strength. That’s a breath of fresh air. I like the fact that Allen believes in dictating the rhythm on defense by being aggressive. Id like too see the 3rd linebacker be a hybrid that can rush the passer as well, a lot like Wilbur Marshall was used.
I find it very funny to read all the down shots against JJ. He has proven to be one of the top 5, if not 3 CBs in the league per NFL WR’s. He has time and time again shut down the opposing team’s #1WR and yet writers and fans continue to regress with BS lack of talent comments.
I would love to see Johnson shadowing opposing #1s more often. I don’t think you go to that well the entire game. But certainly on passing downs and 3rd and long you want your best on their best. JJs good enough where he doesn’t need the double team often which leaves many other options available like a corner blitz or a QB spy. If Allen can bring out the best in Gordon and get Stevenson to a respectable level, this defense is going to be top 5 in coverage and takeaways. Assuming the D line starts getting to the QB… Read more »
This was a constant thing that bothered me about Fluss’ scheme. They insisted that Johnson was going to stay on the right side no matter how opponents scheme to avoid putting him on their best receivers. I’m not advocating to move him around all game, but in certain situations, I’m not going to allow a simple formation hack by the offense to ensure that Jamarr Chase (for example) will be covered by Stevenson simply because that’s how the Bears line up.
year in and year out disappointment