The Chicago Bears’ pass defense has ranked in the top 10 through the first three weeks of the 2022 NFL season. A big reason for that is the presence of cornerback Jaylon Johnson. His coverage has been so effective that quarterbacks refuse even to throw passes in his direction. They’ve been content to take their chances with Kindle Vildor and rookie Kyler Gordon. That is as good of a nod of respect as any player can ask for at cornerback.
Johnson isn’t surprised by this. He’s made it clear how confident he is in his own ability from the moment he arrived in Chicago. Johnson believes he can cover any wide receiver in the NFL. He wants that challenge. It is the only way to measure how good he can be. While athletic ability plays a central role in his success, he explained to Jeff Joniak on Player Profile that much of the credit goes to his analytical mind. Something that became apparent to his mother many years ago.
Jaylon Johnson is a case study in college vs. the NFL.
Most successful college corners lean on their athletic prowess to get them through the big games. The gap between the haves and have nots is so evident at that level, but not so much in the NFL. Everybody is athletic. Everybody is fast. The only way to separate yourself from the pack is by embracing the mental side of the game. They can break down what every receiver tries to do before and after the snap, then make swift adjustments to counter them.
That is why Jaylon Johnson always seems to be in the hip pocket of everybody he lines up against. He is rarely fooled. Even the best in the game, like Davante Adams and Cooper Kupp, have acknowledged how much of a pain he is to go against. People can say many things about former GM Ryan Pace. Nobody can argue the man could identify solid defensive talent. Outside of Roquan Smith, Johnson may go down in Bears history as one of his best draft picks.
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JJ is destined for HOF at the level of play and production at the position if it continues. He is fearsome at one-on-one coverage and a direct threat in the zone defense.
only thing to say about ryan pace is good riddance!