Even though the Chicago Bears were able to win five of their last seven games and show signs of life in the second half of the 2023 NFL regular season, Justin Fields and company have been eliminated from playoff contention in the NFC.
The team headed into the 2023 campaign with high hopes of taking the next step forward after Fields had an impressive showing as the team’s new starting quarterback last year.
Despite the four-win increase, which could potentially be five games if they can take down the division-rival Green Bay Packers in Lambeau Field this weekend, the Bears will go home empty-handed, with the team focus being on having the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Although the focus has shifted from the football field to the draft in April, the Bears did have some bright spots this season, with Jaylon Johnson’s performance in 2023 being one of the highest of the year for Chicago via PFF.
Johnson has only allowed 25+ yards in coverage once this season.
Jaylon Johnson has only allowed 25+ yards in coverage ONCE this season 🔒 pic.twitter.com/EeGSOBgA8k
— PFF (@PFF) January 4, 2024
Even though the Bears will end the season with a losing record regardless of the outcome of Week 18’s game against the Packers, Chicago still has hope for a bright future, with players like Johnson in the fold moving forward.
Along with being an incredible cornerback this season for the Bears, Johnson also recorded four interceptions and a defensive touchdown during the 2023 campaign.
As one of the building blocks moving forward, Johnson will help the team potentially get to where it wants to go in the near future, with the Bears having a chance to take a giant leap this offseason if they can get the pick right at the top of the draft.
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