Chicago Bears Defense Suffers Yet Another Crippling Loss
The 2022 season has been one to forget for the Chicago Bears defense. They came in with optimism. Despite losing multiple leaders like Khalil Mack, Danny Trevathan, and Akiem Hicks, it was still felt they had enough veteran talent to still be respectable. Then Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith were traded. After that, the injuries began. Eddie Jackson was lost for the year to a foot injury. Jack Sanborn is done as well, thanks to an ankle problem. Now their last remaining proven player is bidding farewell to 2022.
Jaylon Johnson exited the loss to Philadelphia with rib and finger injuries. The cornerback spent the week trying to see if he could battle through them and keep playing. Clearly, he and the Bears training staff didn’t like the results. Rather than push him, the team made the sensible decision to shut Johnson down for the year. He will go on Injured Reserve along with fellow cornerback Kindle Vildor. It’s an unfortunate end to what had been a strong season for the third-year player.
The Chicago Bears defense needs major reinforcements.
They were already undermanned before the season began. Their only source of strength left was the secondary. Now even that has fallen apart with Johnson and Jackson out of the picture. It shows how much work needs to be done for this unit to regain its place among the NFL’s best. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus will focus significant resources on upgrading every level, particularly the defensive line. Hopefully, the training staff will be able to help prevent some of these injuries in the future.
This development also complicates things for Johnson. He enters the final year of his rookie contract in 2023. It isn’t a secret he is seeking an extension. Don’t forget this regime didn’t draft him. His inability to finish the season and failure to record a single interception isn’t likely to do him any favors in negotiations. If he tries to play hardball like Smith did, perhaps the Chicago Bears defense will move on from him as well. Poles isn’t afraid of making such decisions. It will be a fascinating narrative to watch.