The Chicago Bears have operated a certain way for a long time. Whenever possible, they avoid players with reputations for outlandish personalities. That is what made Wednesday's news that they signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson so jarring. The 27-year-old defensive back is well-known for being one of the nastiest trash-talkers in the NFL. This is the guy who got Javon Wims and Anthony Miller to punch him in the same season. He also doesn't seem to stick around long with other teams because of his outspoken and critical nature. Veteran leader Kevin Byard isn't too worried about it.
The Bears' safety is familiar with Johnson going back years. While he understands the reputation Gardner-Johnson brings, Byard thinks it can have tangible benefits for the Bears. It might be an ingredient they've been missing. History says Chicago teams have often excelled when they have notorious agitators.
“I’m under the belief that I think on each side of the ball, offense, defense, you need at least one or two of those guys on the field because they bring a certain level of juice. This game is played violently. You need somebody to go in there and be that spark. Obviously, you know the history of this city, Chicago Bulls with Dennis Rodman, sometimes you need guys like that out there. I think our leadership group on this team, we can hold things together and I don't personally think it'll be an issue. He's been around this defense. I have a lot of respect for him. He has a lot of respect for me.”
He's not wrong. Rodman was not only a great defender and elite rebounder, but his attitude and ability to mess with opponents mentally were crucial to the Bulls' second three-peat. Those 1980s Bears teams we talk about so much had plenty of trash-talkers like Steve McMichael, Jim McMahon, and Otis Wilson.
Kevin Byard understands the job ahead with Gardner-Johnson.
That is to keep him pointed towards the opponent. As long as the Bears direct his mouth at the opposite side of the line of scrimmage, everything will be fine. Gardner-Johnson has proven he knows how to get under someone's skin. If the Bears can get on top of the Cincinnati Bengals early this Sunday, don't be surprised if his presence becomes noticeable. Word is he will likely start, filling the slot cornerback role in place of the injured Kyler Gordon. His capability as a blitzer should come into focus almost immediately. If things unfold as hoped, Kevin Byard could benefit from his arrival in multiple ways. The only challenge is ensuring the snapping dog is facing the right direction.
Besides, it's not like this team had a choice. When you're down half of your entire cornerback room, you tend to be a little more open to calculated risks.
