The Chicago Bears might be in the middle of a four-game skid, but the confidence is still oozing out of cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
As a team captain and locker room leader, Johnson remains steadfast in doing his job to the best of his ability, despite a 4-6 record on the year. Now, getting set to face the Minnesota Vikings for the first time this season, Johnson is preparing for one of the league's best.
Johnson will be seeing a whole lot of Justin Jefferson on Sunday; arguably the best wide receiver in the game, today. This year, though, Jefferson has adjusted to a new quarterback as the Vikings have been rolling with Sam Darnold as their current "bridge" for rookie J.J. McCarthy.
As for what Darnold brings to the table? Johnson didn't mince words on Thursday when asked about the Vikings passer.
“I feel like he hasn’t been consistent. He started out hot… He’s had a lot of turnovers lately," Johnson told the media.
Jaylon Johnson's comments on Sam Darnold are both accurate and inspiring
First off, Johnson isn't wrong about the Vikings quarterback.
In two of his last three games, Darnold has lost a fumble. He's totaled six turnovers in his last three contests, including a fumble most recently against the Tennessee Titans.
He threw three interceptions in a narrow victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars two weeks ago, and another two in the win over Indianapolis before that. Darnold also lost a fumble against the Colts.
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At times, this year, Darnold has looked more than competent. Other times, he's shown shades of the guy who was seeing ghosts back with the Jets. Has he played well enough to win football games? Absolutely. But, has he given Vikings fans reason to worry? Also, yes.
As for Johnson taking the time to say what he said, that's another story altogether. This is a great sign for the Bears.
Amidst a season that's seen Chicago undergo several injuries, questions and changes in leadership and a current 4-game losing streak, Johnson isn't about to lay down and die. His mentality is still that of an assassin on the field. He's out to shut down opposing offenses and he isn't afraid to let them know.
Clearly, Eberflus is not one to have his team fully prepared week-in and week-out. But, Johnson doesn't need help in the motivating department. He's his own motivation and a leader within this locker room. Thankfully, too.
This team needs more players to step up with the type of confidence and swagger that Johnson possesses. Whether you think it's right or wrong for him to call out the opposition the way he does is irrelevant. In the end, this is a good thing for the team and it's something fans should be happy to see.