Jaylon Johnson sends a message with 2 INT game vs. Raiders
Chicago Bears defensive back Jaylon Johnson was able to drown out all of the trade rumors and prove he's worth investing in against the Raiders. The 24-year-old finished the game with two interceptions and a defensive touchdown during the team's 30-12 victory in Week 7. Johnson's first interception of the game in the fourth quarter […]
Chicago Bears defensive back Jaylon Johnson was able to drown out all of the trade rumors and prove he's worth investing in against the Raiders.
The 24-year-old finished the game with two interceptions and a defensive touchdown during the team's 30-12 victory in Week 7. Johnson's first interception of the game in the fourth quarter broke his 28-game streak without recording an interception.
The monster game couldn't have come at a better time for the young cornerback. Johnson is currently on the final year of his contract and had contract negotiations halted prior to the start of the season.
Johnson's name has been floated out throughout the last few days as a potential trade candidate the Bears could move on from by the October 31st NFL trade deadline. However, Johnson sent a strong message on Sunday, not only to the Bears front office but to the rest of the league as well.
"I've been waiting to get to the table [with the Bears]," Johnson said in the locker room after the game. "I mean, at the end of the day, I know who I am. I know I can play the game at a high level and I feel like I deserved to be paid like that."
"I'm taking that attitude for any team," he added. "For any team and anybody in the NFL. If it's with the Bears, then I'll do that. If it's with anybody else, for sure. I feel like I'm one of those guys that can be paid at a high level."
While the trade talks will continue to circulate, especially after such a strong response and performance, Bears general manager Ryan Poles needs to understand the decision that lies before him. Johnson has proven to be a leader and a productive young piece for the team's defense when he plays.
No matter what happens in the coming days, this was definitely a performance that Johnson needed, and one that he can build off of going forward.
"I will just say it feels good for me just confidence just knowing that I can make plays," Johnson said. "I know that at the end of the day, it's about opportunities and I know, for me, I don't want to miss any opportunities. So, just today being able to capitalize just felt good and reassured me of who I am. I know what I can do and I know I can take the ball away. It's just about opportunities and taking advantage of them."
Johnson certainly took advantage of a major opportunity that slammed the door shut on the game with his first interception. Johnson was able to jump a pass intended for Raiders star wide receiver Davante Adams and returned it for a 39-yard touchdown.
"We were in deep thirds with vision on the quarterback and I've seen him really looking at [Adams] in the whole time," Johnson explained. "I kind of started looking at Davante after he started settling down and I figured I'd break [on the ball] before he broke."
Immediately after scoring the touchdown to give the Bears a 30-6 lead, Johnson made sure to capitalize on the moment by sending another memo. Johnson ran up to the camera and offered a "make it rain" gesture, likely toward the team's front office.
On the following drive, Johnson made his presence known once again in the secondary, this time against rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell, who entered the game for quarterback Brian Hoyer after the pick-six.
Johnson was able to put himself in the perfect position to high-point the football on a deep pass intended for wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. Johnson, this time, celebrated by folding his arms and offering a look at the camera showing he means business.
It ended up being a memorable game for Johnson after recording two interceptions in the same game for the first time in his career. But, the performance will be even more unforgettable once it culminates in a well deserved contract extension. The message is clear, it is your move now, Ryan Poles.
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