Jahdae Walker plays with his emotions on his sleeve. That's one of Walker's standout traits since he joined the Chicago Bears organization as an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M.
If he makes a play, everyone will know about it.
That authenticity has resonated with Chicago's fanbase. Although he hasn't had many opportunities at wide receiver in head coach Ben Johnson's offense, he's made some impact plays on special teams this season.
Bears don't want Jahdae Walker to lose that edge he brought in Week 6
In the Bears' 31-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6, Walker let his emotions get the best of him on one play and hurt his team on two special-teams plays. The second-year wide receiver was called for roughing the kicker in the third quarter, extending the Falcons' drive. Chicago's defense bailed him out and got a turnover on downs.
Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower said he wants his players to stay aggressive, but Walker was penalized for poor technique. He said you don’t want to leave your feet too early, which slows down momentum.
That's something that can be coached up and corrected moving forward for Walker.
The more egregious mistake came in the fourth quarter after kicker Cairo Santos made his 50-yard field goal. Walker was disqualified for head-butting a Falcons player on kickoff.
Hightower said Walker was “damn near in tears” when the Bears went back to the locker room after the game and was “very remorseful.” The veteran special teams coordinator said he wants Walker to play with that passion between the whistles.
Head coach Ben Johnson sent a similar message to Walker during his weekly radio show on ESPN1000. Johnson highlighted Walker's passion and said that's what the team loves about him. Walker's disqualification serves as a teaching moment for the young player, reminding the Bears’ receiver not to let his emotions get the better of him.
A big reason why Walker has earned a role on Johnson's team is the emotion and passion he consistently brings to the game. The Bears don't want to coach that out of him. That would be furthest from the truth. They would rather channel it so Walker can continue making impact plays on special teams.
Read more: Luther Burden III proved in Week 6 that he's Bears' WR1 (not Rome Odunze)
One perk of playing on Thursday Night Football is that Walker can prove to the coaching staff that those mistakes are behind him. The Week 7 game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field will be a big opportunity for Walker to do just that.
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