Why Jaylon Johnson could be model player for Bears rebuild

Why Jaylon Johnson could be model player for Bears rebuild originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

Much has been made of Jaylon Johnson’s career year with the Bears this season. From contract talks to public declarations that he needs more takeaways to even more public requests to seek a trade, he’s probably been the most talked-about player besides Justin Fields.

For many players, all that talk can become a distraction that negatively impacts their play on the field, or negatively impacts their teammates. That hasn’t been the case with Johnson. He’s managed to set the noise aside, play the best ball of his career and elevate the rest of the defense, too.

“That’s just him being him,” said Eddie Jackson. “We always knew he was that type of player, but he’s just getting the ball right now. He probably wanted that to happen, to get the ball, because he feel like he missed a lot. And without the ‘pay him’ stuff like that, just him upping his game and taking it to another level.”

Bears cornerbacks coach Jon Hoke believes Johnson’s ability to compartmentalize the contract talks speaks volumes about who he is as a person, especially when it comes to how Johnson has attacked the season.

“He’s challenged himself to do the right things and take care of his body and do the type of things you need to do,” Hoke said. “If you want to be a top tier player in this league, that’s what you’ve got to do. You’ve got to take care of yourself and you’ve got to study the game.”

Johnson has always been one of the best coverage cornerbacks in the league, and that hasn’t changed this season. His 54.5% completion rate allowed when targeted this year is a career high. His nine yards/completion allowed is a career low, as is the 49.7 QB rating he’s allowed when targeted.

All of that is phenomenal, and would be worthy of a substantial contract this offseason. But as Jackson said, Johnson has taken his game to the next level by adding the ball…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/why-jaylon-johnson-could-model-230514751.html

Author : NBC Sports Chicago

Publish date : 2023-12-21 23:05:14

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