The Chicago Bears are seeking to bounce back after falling to the Green Bay Packers last week. This loss snapped their five-game win streak, but in the process, there were some problems that were obvious.
Cornerback Jaylon Johnson was back on the field for the second straight week, but it looks like he's still not himself. He struggled in the loss to Green Bay, and that doesn't look the best considering the playoffs are just weeks away.
Bears' Jaylon Johnson Still Doesn't Look like Himself on the Field
Johnson played in 35 defensive snaps (66%), but it looked like he was less than 100% out there. On a slant route, Green Bay Packers receiver Christian Watson toasted Johnson, who just looked like he was a step slow.
Meanwhile, late in the fourth quarter on a 3rd and 1, the Bears allowed Josh Jacobs to escape for a 21-yard run, but they had four guys in the backfield to bring him down, but nobody did. Johnson was involved in this play and decided not to put much effort into taking Jacobs down.
It looked like a lack of effort from the clip, but who knows how he's physically feeling. This season, Johnson has dealt with multiple groin injuries, which forced him to undergo surgery. He's only played in two games this season, and it looks like he's still getting his feet under him. Yet that's less than ideal, since the Bears are also dealing with another Kyler Gordon injury.
In addition, Tyrique Stevenson has missed the last two games due to a hip injury. The Bears' depth at cornerback has been slammed with injuries, but Johnson's may be the most impactful. He's their CB1, but the fact that he doesn't seem 100% is concerning. He's already missed the majority of the season, and he likely fought his way back sooner to get on the field. While you have to credit his toughness, playing hurt can negatively impact the Bears down the stretch.
According to PFF, Johnson had a 54 overall grade and a 54.6 coverage grade against the Packers. That's not the level of production Chicago needs or is accustomed too from Johnson. No. 1's performance will be an area that has fans' close attention.
The NFC is jam-packed, so the room for error is slim, further putting pressure on everyone in Chicago, including Johnson.