Jaylon Johnson certainly seems to show respect and focus on Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson. But the question remains: does the same apply in reverse?
In a recent interview with the Tribune’s Colleen Kane, Johnson spoke highly of facing one of the top receivers in the league. “I don’t feel like he has a weakness,” Johnson said. “They’re going to try to get him the ball, so we have to be prepared to limit his production as best we can. I’m excited. I love playing against high-level guys like him. Just excited to go against their explosive offense. … I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Johnson, who earned All-Pro second-team honors and a Pro Bowl spot last season, was ranked as the best cornerback by Pro Football Focus in 2023. However, his opportunities to match up with Jefferson one-on-one have been limited. Despite playing in the same division, both players have missed games against each other in recent seasons due to injuries. Their lone meeting in 2021 was inconsequential, with both teams already out of playoff contention and coaching changes looming.
In their previous three matchups, Johnson and Jefferson faced off when both were healthy in 2020 and 2021. During that stretch, Jefferson totaled 21 receptions for 346 yards and one touchdown. Over the course of his career, Jefferson has 41 catches for 585 yards and two touchdowns against the Bears, including 16 catches for 192 yards when Johnson was sidelined last season due to injury. This one-sided production raises the question of respect, particularly when Jefferson offered only a lukewarm compliment to Johnson in a recent interview. “Yeah, he’s a good corner,” Jefferson said. “He’s definitely a guy that you got to bring your game against, but we haven’t really had a chance to go up against each other since, I think, my second year, his rookie year. So it’ll be good to go up against him, but I’m not really too focused on that.”
For clarity, Johnson wasn’t a rookie during Jefferson’s second season in the league. The two entered the NFL in the same draft, just 28 picks apart, and were both in their second year in 2021. However, while Jefferson has made a massive impact in his early career—earning Pro Bowl selections and setting records—it may be hard for him to notice the rise of cornerbacks like Johnson from his elevated status at the top.