There were a lot of questions surrounding the cornerback position heading into the 2020 season. With Prince Amukamara’s departure and some injuries at the position, it was rookie Jaylon Johnson that got the start opposite two-time Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller in Week 1.
And through the first five games, Fuller and Johnson have already proven to be quite the dynamic duo for Chicago’s defense.
Defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend has praised Fuller and Johnson for their ability to play well in isolation, where they’ve found success through these first five games.
“You’re gonna know those guys are gonna be in man-to-man situations,” said Townsend, “but if you look at what they’re doing, we’re keeping guys from scoring touchdown passes, and that always goes [back] to those guys being on an island, along with a great pass rush and some other things that help. But you always know where those guys are. They’re doing what they’re supposed to do.”
In five games, Fuller has allowed a 57.2 quarterback rating *best in the NFL among players with 20-plus targets) and a 42.9 completion percentage (third best in the NFL). He’s also forced two turnovers — an interception and a fumble.
Then there’s the rookie. Johnson’s impact has been nothing short of spectacular. Through five games, he’s allowed a 76.2 quarterback rating (fifth best among players with 20-plus targets) and a 44.7% completion percentage (fourth best in NFL). All that being the second-most targeted cornerback in the NFL.
Luckily, Johnson’s had some good role models to lean on in his young rookie season, including the likes of Fuller, Buster Skrine and Eddie Jackson.
“They’re tackling well,” said Townsend. “You see how those guys tackle, how they throw it in there. It just goes to how those guys play. With Jaylon being such a young guy and with the group we have with Eddie [Jackson], Gip [Tashaun Gipson Sr.], Buster [Skrine], Kyle, all of those help him become a better player, which makes the tandem [with Fuller] even better.”
The duo of Fuller and Johnson has been one of the biggest strengths of this team through five games. And things are certainly looking up from here.
