Things haven't gone as planned for Jaylon Johnson this season. The Pro-Bowl cornerback hasn't been able to be on the field often because of multiple injuries, and he clearly still needed to shake off the rust.
However, he might finally be getting into a rhythm again. He had his best game of the season in the 31-3 blowout win over the Cleveland Browns, and while the bar was low and the opposition isn't a true indicator, it was still refreshing to watch him get closer to his usual self.
Jaylon Johnson Might Finally Be Trending in the Right Direction
Johnson logged his first interception of the season. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen pressured Shedeur Sanders in nearly half of his dropbacks, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi, and the Bears' opportunistic defense made the most of his rash decisions.
The Pro-Bowl cornerback was also responsible for breaking up a would-be touchdown, surgically swiping the football off Jerry Jeudy's hands in the endzone. He's taking baby steps, but it's a positive sign, with the most crucial stretch of the campaign still ahead of the team.
With the win and the Green Bay Packers' loss, the Bears are right back on top of the NFC North. They control their own destiny, and with a brutal stretch to close out the season, they will need Johnson to return to his elite ways right now.
The Bears will close out the season by facing three playoff-caliber teams, two of which are divisional rivals. They'll host the Green Bay Packers, visit the San Francisco 49ers, and host the Detroit Lions in the regular-season finale.
Johnson will be in charge of holding down the likes of Christian Watson/Romeo Doubs, Ricky Pearsall/Jauan Jennings, and Amon-Ra St. Brown/Jameson Williams. That's definitely not what the doctor ordered for a player who has only been able to suit up for four games this season.
That being said, he's a proven veteran who should have a big chip on his shoulder right now. With the coaching staff having his back and giving him the confidence to get his legs back under him, motivation shouldn't be an issue there.
The Bears continue to prove that their early-season success wasn't a fluke, but none of that will matter if they fall flat in the final month of the regular season. Johnson's season has been frustrating, but it will all be worth it if he peaks at the right time.