Bears Coach Acknowledges Impact of Kyler Gordon’s Absence on Defensive Performance
The Chicago Bears’ recent loss to the Green Bay Packers has left a lingering question: how much did the absence of slot cornerback Kyler Gordon affect the team’s defensive performance? Coach Ben Johnson, despite his insistence that adjustments can be made seamlessly, indicated that Gordon’s unavailability was indeed a significant factor.
Adjustments on the Fly
In addressing the media, Johnson stated, “We adjust on the fly. That’s no problem. That’s what we always do. We had a plan.” His comments reflect confidence in the coaching staff’s ability to adapt under pressure. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has built a reputation for managing defensive rotations effectively, and Johnson noted that the next players in line rose to the occasion.
However, the execution was not flawless. C.J. Gardner-Johnson stepped in for Gordon and made an early impact by intercepting a pass from Packers quarterback Jordan Love. Yet, as the game progressed, the Packers identified a mismatch. On crucial third downs, they targeted Christian Watson against Gardner-Johnson, exploiting the speed differential to their advantage.
Acknowledging the Loss
While Johnson maintained that the team could function smoothly without Gordon, he conceded the reality of his absence. “Kyler is a really good player and we are better when he is out on the field,” he admitted. The sudden nature of Gordon’s pregame absence added to the challenge, leaving the Bears down a man before the game even began. If the coaching staff had anticipated his absence, they could have elevated a practice squad player, but that individual would likely have been more suited for special teams than defense.
The loss to the Packers highlights a crucial lesson for the Bears: depth is essential, but the impact of key players can’t be understated. As the team moves forward, they will need to address these vulnerabilities to ensure a more robust performance in future matchups.
