Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson is the only one who can fix his recent mistakes, and he knows it better than anyone else. Retired center Olin Kreutz posted on X, comparing Johnson’s missed tackle to a teammate’s fumble, and the cornerback said he would not make excuses. Johnson told the Chicago Tribune he must simply get the job done, acknowledging that his angles and pursuit need work after a costly play against the New England Patriots.
The Play That Sparked the Firestorm
The trouble started in the second quarter of the Bears’ 30-24 win over New England on Thursday, Oct. 22. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye scrambled right, and Johnson peeled off his man to make the stop. Instead of bringing Maye down, the quarterback ducked inside and gained 15 yards. That single play has become the lightning rod for critics who question Johnson’s effort and technique this season.
Kreutz didn’t name Johnson directly, but his post drew a clear parallel to the fumble by D’Andre Swift in Week 4. “If you can go to the Bench (sic) for fumbling should be the same for tackling,” Kreutz posted. Johnson responded with blunt honesty, telling the Tribune, “Yeah, I’ve just got to be better on those.” He noted that keeping his technique in mind during open-field tackles is the only path forward.
Money on the Line for a Pro Bowl Talent
This pressure is heavy because the Bears invested a massive four-year, $76 million contract extension in Johnson back in March 2024. He was coming off a career year where he made the Pro Bowl and earned second-team All-Pro honors. Now, his overall play hasn’t reached that expected level, and head coach Ben Johnson admitted there have been ups and downs. The coach said the team evaluates every game to see who steps up and who warrants more playing time.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen offered a broader view, noting that every player has moments where they struggle. He reminded everyone that 11 guys are out there on the field together, and the defense works as a unit. Yet, for a player with Johnson’s salary and reputation, the standard remains higher than just “good enough.”
Johnson’s own words suggest he understands the stakes better than the noise outside the building. He said there is no excuse based on logic or reason., adding that it is merely about angles, pursuit, and keeping technique in mind. As the team prepares to face the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, Nov. 2, at Lumen Field, the focus must shift from what critics say to what Johnson does.
