Evaluating Jaylon Johnson’s Performance as Bears Prepare for Seahawks

Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson has faced criticism for his performance this season stemming from a notable play in a game against the New England Patriots—although it didn’t involve a pass. In the second quarter of the Bears’ 30-24 victory over the Patriots in Week 7, quarterback Drake Maye scrambled for a 15-yard gain as Johnson missed a tackle, allowing Maye an additional 5 yards. This play highlighted questions about Johnson’s tackling angles and effort.

Former Bears center Olin Kreutz hinted at Johnson’s performance on social media, comparing it to a fumble by D’Andre Swift in Week 4. Johnson recognized the need for improvement, stating, “I’ve just got to be better on those…getting guys to the ground.” Despite a standout season in 2024, earning him a Pro Bowl selection and a four-year, $76 million extension, Johnson’s recent performances have fallen short of expectations.

Coach Ben Johnson acknowledged the ups and downs in Johnson’s play, emphasizing ongoing evaluations. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen stressed the importance of collective improvement rather than singling out individual performances, saying, “Our focus is on improving as a collective group and not placing blame.”

If Johnson’s struggles persist, Coach Ben Johnson may reduce his playing time, although options are limited. Malik Muhammad II and Cam Lewis have had their own challenges, and Jaylon Johnson’s current statistics reflect career lows in several areas. Despite a strong game in Week 6 against Atlanta, where Johnson allowed only 5 yards, his performance against Green Bay was notably poor, contributing to 106 yards allowed and a perfect 158.3 passer rating against him.

Johnson attributed the Green Bay loss to a collective defensive failure, noting significant yardage from explosive passing plays. Advice from former corner Charles “Peanut” Tillman encouraged Johnson to refocus on his playing technique. Johnson acknowledged others’ input but maintained self-critical dedication.

Bears General Manager Ryan Poles believes recent acquisition Jeffery Simmons will bolster the secondary, with Simmons’ pressure aiding the cornerbacks. Addressing the performance variations among Jaylon Johnson and other defensive backs remains crucial as the Bears face challenging opponents like Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seattle Seahawks. Smith-Njigba leads with impressive average yards, touchdowns, and expected-points-added metrics.

Johnson respected the Seahawks receiver’s capabilities, stating, “He can run good routes, he can catch the ball, he can beat you after the catch.” As the Bears prepare, finding strategic support for their cornerbacks becomes urgent.