Jaylon Johnson has said on multiple occasions that his goal is to be the best cornerback in the NFL. From a talent standpoint, he has the capacity to achieve this. Some of the best receivers in the league have already said he is one of the most capable they’ve played against, including Davante Adams and Cooper Kupp. Having their respect is excellent. The problem is Johnson can’t seem to get it from the media or most fans.
That isn’t entirely their fault. Bears fans know how good Johnson is from an ability standpoint. There were times last season when quarterbacks didn’t even bother throwing in his direction. It was a waste of effort. That leaves the unanswered question of why people aren’t talking about him. The answer is simple—big plays. Johnson doesn’t make enough of them. Through two seasons, he has played 28 games. The cornerback has one interception in that timespan. In a league built around highlights, that is painfully inadequate.
For example, Johnson was targeted 72 times last year and managed one interception. By contrast, Rasul Douglas was only targeted 64 times and had five interceptions. There is a reason Douglas got way more attention nationally.
Jaylon Johnson needs to put his money where his mouth is.
This is a big year for him. The third year of a rookie contract is often decisive in determining if a young play will be able to secure a maximum payday. Chicago would love to make him part of their future, but if he wants big money, he’ll have to show them he deserves it. That means takeaways in the mind of his new head coach. Matt Eberflus made it clear on multiple occasions that this will be the focus on defense moving forward.
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Fair is fair. Jaylon Johnson wants to be seen as one of the best cornerbacks in football. Well, the best cornerback in the league right now is Jalen Ramsey. He had four interceptions last season. He also gave up two fewer touchdowns despite being targeted 26 more times. The Bears cornerback has work to do.
I know playing in cover 2 will help with the picks, eyes on the QB not on the WR when in Man coverage. Pretty sure this will be his breakout season.
Guys that are converted WR’s usually have better hands. Guys that played CB since a young age never really had to catch the ball. Guys that played basketball are used to going up for the ball and coming down with it. Not sure what JJ did as a young guy but JUGS machines can help with hands. Basketball as part of cross training can help too. But scheme is probably the biggest factor. Zone lends itself to seeing the ball coming better and thus more INT’s. I expect JJ and E.Jackson to nab a few more this year.
Fair assessment. If he plays more zone in Flus’ D, he should get about 4 interceptions this year or at least have that many solid chances, if not more.
Still a kid with upside , Johnson like all Bears had a down year that should turn around with Eberflus and Williams as coaches !
I expect him to make more of those splash plays this year. I’m certain he was playing with the deficiencies of his fellow DBs in his mind and always with the possibility of needing to help them also in his mind. The increase in their talent level should free him up a bit to go for the splash and not always play reserved.