Injury Woes for Bears’ Defense
Ben Johnson might be regretting some choices right about now.
The Bears’ defense has been a struggle, already allowing a staggering 39.5 points per game. Unfortunately, they’re now facing an even bigger hurdle with star cornerback Jaylon Johnson sidelined indefinitely due to a groin injury, as reported by ESPN.
Johnson left the game early in a 52-21 loss to the Lions on Sunday, dealing with injuries that have been piling up. There hasn’t been any confirmation about whether surgery is on the table.
The Bears (0-2) kicked off the season with optimism under young coach Ben Johnson, but things seem to be unraveling fast. They initially took an 11-point lead against the Vikings in Week 1 but ended up losing that game 27-24 at home. Johnson didn’t play due to injuries.
It appears he sustained a groin issue during the off-season. He mentioned tearing the adductor from his pelvic bone, which kept him out of training camp and preseason games.
Even after making a return on Sunday, he seemed to aggravate the injury while attempting to break up a pass aimed at Amon Ra St. Brown when the Bears were ahead 14-7.
Without Johnson, Chicago’s defense has allowed 38 points. The team is in a tough spot, particularly since they’ve had difficulty stopping opponents over the past five quarters.
Another cornerback, Kyler Gordon, has been absent for the first two games with a hamstring issue, and it’s uncertain when he might return.
In total, the Bears have conceded 73 points in just the last 75 minutes play.
Given the competitive nature of the NFC North, fans were holding onto hopes that Chicago could contend for a playoff position this year. But Johnson’s injury could complicate those aspirations significantly.
The Bears are set to face the Cowboys next, a team that just scored 40 points last Sunday, followed by a visit to the Raiders in Week 4 and a Monday night matchup against Washington in Week 5.
Unless defensive coordinator Dennis Allen can adjust without one of his key players, Chicago’s weekly struggles may overshadow whatever offensive production they can muster.
As it stands, Chicago is favored by just 1.5 points at home for their Week 3 matchup.
