One thing you can always take to the bank these days is that if an athlete is posting cryptic messages on social media, they’re clearly not happy about something. In most cases, it involves contract-related issues between them and the organization they play for. However, some involve a sudden shift in how the team, and by extension its fans, start treating you. It appears that reality might be setting in for Jaylon Johnson. The cornerback who once appeared untouchable just two years ago is now in uncharted waters.
His struggles this season have been well-documented. Through 8 games, he’s allowing a 124.3 passer rating. It is the first time in six seasons that he has eclipsed the 100 mark. It’s been alarming to watch. His usual explosiveness and confidence appear absent. Wide receivers are beating him with way too much ease at times. It’s led many to wonder if he should even be out there. Based on a recent post on Johnson’s Instagram, it sounds like the Chicago Bears could be thinking the same thing.
It’s pretty clear Jaylon Johnson is feeling the heat.
Remember, he said before the season began that his focus was on playing well enough to earn a second contract before age became a factor in future negotiations. He’s still only 27 years old. One has to wonder if maybe he sensed something was off even back then. Johnson suffered a brutal groin and core injury last season. History shows that this type of injury often leads to permanent consequences for an athlete. Most notably, a loss of explosiveness. That has been apparent for months.
As a result, receivers are finding it much easier to create separation on him. The Bears haven’t altered how they use Jaylon Johnson, so he can’t complain about that. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is deploying him as if he were still the Pro Bowler of two years ago. Mounting evidence suggests that player is no longer here. The Bears suddenly face a tough decision. Do they keep trotting him out there knowing he’s a liability and just hope he turns things around? Or do they bench him in hopes of giving somebody else an opportunity?
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This would explain the reported shift in the Bears’ trade deadline focus.
For weeks, it was indicated that they were intent on finding defensive line help at both defensive tackle and edge rusher. ESPN has since indicated that cornerback has become their new priority. Considering nobody came out of Monday night in Seattle injured, that feels like a pretty clear indictment of the current starting lineup. Don’t forget the Bears benched Tyrique Stevenson last year. He hasn’t been any better this season. Johnson has been almost as bad. This coaching staff isn’t afraid to bench guys who aren’t performing, regardless of past accomplishments.
Johnson can be upset. He’s battled so hard throughout his run in Chicago to be one of the best. He just forgets that the NFL is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately league. Fans don’t offer much leeway for poor performance, especially when you’re one of the highest-paid players on the roster. They love you for your effort, but they have no qualms about moving you aside if you stop performing. That is the brutal nature of this business.
