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Cornerback Jaylon Johnson had a stellar year in his fourth NFL season, which fueled the Bears defense’s comeback.
The most noteworthy stats for Johnson were his career-high four interceptions—which included his first pick-six—and his second-best total of 10 passes defensed. In addition to Tyrique Stevenson and Tremaine Edmunds, who each had four picks, Johnson guided the defence to 22 interceptions, which tied San Francisco for the most in the NFL.
As a result of Johnson’s 2023 season-long playmaking and ballhawking abilities, ChicagoBears.com has selected him the Bears’ Defensive Player of the Year.
Due to his success in 2023, the Utah product was invited to the Pro Bowl Games and was named to the NFL All-Pro second team.
Johnson said after being selected for All-Pro, “Making All-Pro is just another example of God’s work that he’s done through me.” “It is certainly a blessing that you have bestowed upon me the capacity and fortitude to excel as I have this year and that I have been granted the honour of receiving this esteemed award.
“Thank you to all of my teammates, coaches and staff for playing a huge role in my success and helping me grow to this point.”
With a 90.8 PFF grade, a 33.3 passer rating allowed, and 195 yards allowed in 2023, Johnson was also voted Pro Football Focus’ Best Coverage Defender.
The Bears’ 30-12 victory over the Raiders on October 22 was the cornerback’s greatest performance of the year. Johnson not only recovered two interceptions, one of which he turned into a touchdown, but also contributed to the defence of six-time Pro Bowl receiver Davante Adams.
Several of his teammates talked about Johnson’s importance to the locker room and his daily intensity on the field after the game.
“He’s just a person that gives it his all every day, whether it’s during a game, practice, or walkthrough. T.J. Edwards, a linebacker, remarked, “He’s on his details.” It’s really important for you to have a guy like that as a support system. You are aware that the ball is covered on that side. He is a terrific player, and I’m glad he was able to make those plays today.”
Although Johnson’s achievements and statistics speak for themselves, he also offers the locker room leadership qualities and a strong football IQ. Jon Hoke, the passing game coordinator and coach of the Bears’ cornerbacks, praised Johnson for his intellect and ability to create plays even when he isn’t targeted.
Hoke said to reporters on December 21 that “he knows the route combinations.” “He is aware of the quarterback’s limitations. He didn’t really get many targets, even in the Cleveland game. Additionally, we play them the same way we play our men. He ended up on the single side as the ball wound up in the middle of the field. He came close to intercepting the play. Most likely, they hadn’t anticipated him to be on that side. However, that was the play’s design. That’s where it ended up.
He is aware of the mindset required to observe the route combinations and what the coordinator calls. He does a very good job watching a lot of tape. In the end, it’s clear that he has athletic talent, but he is also extremely intelligent.”
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