The Bears’ secondary left plenty of questions after Week 5, and Jaylon Johnson is right at the center of them.
Chicago’s defense was nowhere close to the level it showed earlier in the season, and the regression showed up most sharply on the back end. Johnson, who has built a reputation as one of the team’s most dependable pieces, had a rough day that only made the situation look worse. The Bears also have a problem they can’t easily solve: they’re stuck with the players they have right now.
Against Green Bay, Johnson allowed three catches on four targets for 53 yards. Matthew Golden got him for 10 yards after the catch, and Johnson had trouble staying in front of a receiver with that kind of speed.
Through five weeks, his numbers tell a brutal story: 15 receptions allowed, 16.5 yards per catch, and an opposing quarterback rating of 118.8. He still doesn’t have an interception, and he’s been on the losing end of too many big plays.
Pro Football Focus has Johnson graded at 46.4, which ranks 87th among 102 eligible cornerbacks. His coverage grade sits at 39.9, the fifth-worst mark in the league.
That’s a stunning downturn for a 27-year-old corner who should be in his physical prime. Instead, this looks like the worst football he’s played since entering the league. And because of his dead cap value of $33,152,380, the Bears don’t have a realistic path to moving on from him.
The problem gets even messier when Tyrique Stevenson is struggling on the other side. Jordan Love had time to work from the pocket, move around, and deliver throws with ease, and his receivers found separation against Johnson and Malik Muhammad. With no easy trade answer waiting in the wings, this could be the shape of the Bears’ secondary for now.
The team had hoped Kyler Gordon’s return would steady things, but the bigger concern now is whether that’s enough. Muhammad, even after a shaky performance of his own, might be able to offer more than Stevenson on the outside. Johnson is another question entirely, and DB coach Al Harris has his hands full trying to get him back on track.
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