3. The Chicago Bears should see Jaylon Johnson with a shut down performance
It is hard to tell if Jaylon Johnson has been elite or if the rest of the Bears' pass defense is so easy to attack that teams just avoid Jaylon Johnson altogether. Still, in the four games since Johnson has returned from injury, he has allowed seven catches for 48 yards, which is highly impressive. Of course, Johnson also has two interceptions and a pick-six. It is becoming a career year for Johnson, and it is coming at the perfect time because he is due for a new contract.
The shut down season should continue against Carolina. First, they lean into targeting Adam Thieln, who gets over 28% of the pass attempts. He has 76 targets, and the next-highest pass catcher has 37. He is the offense, and he runs almost all of his routes from the slot. So, the Panthers will test Kyler Gordon.
Teams already veer away from Johnson for rookie Tyrique Stevenson, but Stevenson left with an injury against New Orleans. If Jaylon Jones starts, the Panthers will target him. Still, when they do, it will be a combination of Jonathan Mingo and potentially Terrace Marshall, because DJ Chark is banged up and may not play. Marshall has done little so far in his career, and Mingo has become the de facto outside threat, although he cannot handle that load.
If the Chicago Bears' give up passes, it may be to Thielen, and it may be against Jaylon Jones. It cannot be against Jaylon Johnson.