Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson has always approached the game of football with a deep sense of responsibility. When the Bears made the decision to part ways with their former coaching staff and bring in a new regime, there was a lot of buzz surrounding the change. As with any coaching turnover, the excitement of the unknown quickly became a point of discussion, with hopes of a new direction and improvement in the team’s fortunes. However, for Johnson, the reaction to the coaching change was more measured. While intrigued, he remains grounded in the reality that change, no matter how promising it may sound, is not a substitute for actual performance on the field.
“It’s exciting,” Johnson said, reflecting on the new leadership under head coach Matt Eberflus. “You hear a lot of things, and I’m intrigued to see what happens. But at the end of the day, hype don’t win you no games. It’s about what we do when we step on the field.” This is a sentiment that reflects his mindset not just as a player, but as a competitor in the NFL, where expectations, hype, and outside chatter can often create distractions. While others may buy into the excitement surrounding a fresh coaching staff, Johnson knows that tangible results are what truly matter in the league.
For Johnson, who has become one of the cornerstones of the Bears’ defense since being drafted in 2020, the shift in coaching philosophy is certainly of interest. The Bears have brought in Eberflus, a coach with a background in defensive schemes that focus heavily on discipline, attention to detail, and the development of players both individually and as a collective unit. Eberflus, who previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, is known for his aggressive style and his ability to get the best out of his players.
But Johnson is keenly aware that coaching, while important, is only one part of the equation. The change in leadership and philosophy may offer a fresh perspective, but it is up to the players to execute on the field. “We have to put in the work,” Johnson noted. “We have to be ready to compete. A new coach means nothing if we don’t go out and perform.”
The defensive backfield, where Johnson plays a prominent role, has been one of the areas of focus for the Bears’ new coaching staff. Johnson, who has displayed tremendous growth since his arrival in Chicago, is seen as a key piece in the secondary. His ability to shut down receivers, cover deep routes, and play physical football has earned him respect within the organization and around the league. Despite the promise shown in his early years, Johnson remains focused on improving his own game and finding ways to help his defense become more consistent.
One of the aspects of Johnson’s game that has continued to evolve is his ability to communicate and lead within the defensive unit. The coaching change has allowed him to take on a bigger leadership role in the secondary, something that he believes will benefit the Bears as a whole. “When you’re part of a defense, especially in the secondary, communication is key,” Johnson said. “We’ve been working on that, and I think that’s something that will really help us moving forward.”
There’s also the question of Johnson’s relationship with his new coaching staff. Though the system is still relatively fresh and untested, Johnson is optimistic that the staff will help him take his game to the next level. He is impressed by the attention to detail in practices and how the coaches are emphasizing the importance of discipline. “The new staff has really focused on making sure we’re doing the little things right, whether it’s footwork, hand placement, or understanding the route concepts,” he said. “It’s all about the small details. That’s where I think we can really improve.”
Despite his optimism, Johnson remains pragmatic. His statement about hype not winning games is a reminder that NFL seasons are won on the field through hard work, preparation, and execution. Even though the Bears are riding high on optimism with their new coaching staff, Johnson is not one to buy into the idea that the change will instantly lead to success. The realities of the NFL are much harsher, and Johnson’s experience in the league has taught him that tangible results are the only currency that matters.
One of the biggest challenges for Johnson and the Bears’ defense as a whole is the consistency that has eluded them in recent seasons. The Bears have been known for flashes of brilliance, followed by periods of underperformance. The secondary, in particular, has had its struggles, and Johnson is aware that the unit must improve as a collective if the Bears are to become contenders in the NFC North.
“Consistency is everything,” Johnson explained. “It’s about being able to bring your best every single week. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing against a top-tier quarterback or a rookie. We have to play at a high level every week. It’s not about just showing up when the lights are the brightest. We need to be able to perform when it matters most.”
Part of Johnson’s growth as a player has been his ability to understand the intricacies of the game. His development has been a product of hard work, a relentless desire to improve, and the mentorship he’s received both on and off the field. But he’s quick to acknowledge that the work isn’t finished. He continues to push himself to be the best version of himself, constantly studying his opponents and refining his technique. “There’s always room to grow,” Johnson said. “I’m always trying to get better. That’s the mentality you have to have in this league.”
The shift in coaching philosophies is not lost on Johnson, but it also does not deter him from his larger goals. He knows that the hype and excitement surrounding the new coaching staff will eventually fade, and the reality of the season will take over. It is in those moments, under the pressure of a game or the intensity of a practice, where Johnson will be able to prove his worth, both as an individual and as a leader for the defense.
The future of the Bears will depend on more than just a coaching change; it will depend on the maturation and performance of their young talent, including players like Johnson. As the team enters a new era under Eberflus, the expectations for growth and improvement are high. But as Johnson points out, it’s not about hype or talk; it’s about what happens when the team takes the field. “We’ve got to make it happen,” he said. “It’s not enough to talk about it. We have to put in the work and show it on the field. That’s the bottom line.”
For Johnson, the path forward is clear: focus on the details, continue to improve, and ultimately perform when it counts. The new coaching staff may offer new ideas and new energy, but it’s up to the players to make it work. In a league where hype and expectations are constant, Jaylon Johnson knows that consistency, preparation, and execution will ultimately determine whether the Bears can take the next step toward becoming a competitive force in the NFC. The time for hype has passed; now, it’s time to put in the work and see if the Bears can make their vision a reality.