C.J. Gardner-Johnson role could grow once key defenders return

The Chicago Bears have won six games so far during the 2025 regular season, with eight more games left to play and playoff possibilities becoming more and more real. Although the Bears’ defense has struggled at times this year, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has done his best to overcome some significant injuries that have resulted in the loss of several of his most important defenders for a lengthy period of time. One of Allen’s most recent decisions that has been a huge success has been the deployment and utilization of cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson over the last few games, as the cornerback’s presence could have an even bigger impact once others in the defensive secondary return soon.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson is providing a blueprint for what Dennis Allen envisions for his defense

Injuries on the defense has been a consistent and severe dilemma for Chicago this season, as they have lost several key defensive members for multiple games, including cornerback Jaylon Johnson, defensive end Austin Booker, linebacker T.J. Edwards, and slot corner Kyler Gordon. Additionally, Chicago has lost defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and rookie defensive tackle Shermar Turner for the season with torn ligaments, hampering Allen’s defensive line significantly. The mounting injuries, especially to secondary, led to general manager Ryan Poles signing C.J. Gardner-Johnson, despite his character concern issues.

The reason why Gardner-Johnson was brought in after Chicago’s Week 8 loss to the Ravens, was due to his familiarity with Allen’s defensive scheme and to provide depth to a secondary lacking talent. C.J. Gardner-Johnson had played under Chicago’s current defensive coordinator for three seasons in New Orleans from 2019 to 2021. While with the Saints, the cornerback recorded five interceptions and three sacks under Allen, who often will draw up exotic blitzes using members of the defensive secondary.

In the two games C.J. Gardner-Johnson has played with the Bears, he has recorded three sacks, including a vital sack against Russell Wilson late in Sunday’s win against the New York Giants to force a fourth down. Allen has used Gardner-Johnson in the role that was originally envision for Gordon as the cornerback to rush the opposing quarterback. Chicago’s defensive coordinator has relied more and more on blitzing with his secondary, due to the lack of pass-rush pressure generated by the defensive line outside of Montez Sweat and Austin Booker.

Given that the Bears are still a few games away from getting both Johnson and Gordon, C.J. Gardner-Johnson will still need to be used a blitzer rather than a defender. Gardner as a pass defender could be even more impactful in coverage, as he recorded 13 interceptions, including six with the Philadelphia Eagles last season. It is that ability that can be relied on once Chicago’s defensive players come back from injury, hopefully by the end of November.

Before the potential return of Johnson and Gordon in a few weeks, C.J. Gardner-Johnson will still have a few more opportunities to generate sacks, especially with the upcoming quarterbacks Chicago will face. The Bears will face the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers in their next two games, as J.J. McCarthey and Aaron Rodgers will likely be the starting signal callers. Allen could deploy his veteran cornerback as a blitzer against the Vikings in favorable situations due to McCarthey’s immense inexperience in the NFL and against Rodgers due to his lack of mobility due in part to his age.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson provides Dennis Allen immense flexibility once the defense returns to full strength

Although Chicago’s defense has struggled significantly with their defensive pass coverage as they rank in the bottom third of the NFL in passing yards allowed, the unit could improve immediately once Johnson and Gordon return. Allen will be given immense flexibility in how he deploys his cornerbacks, especially C.J. Gardner-Johnson, as he could be used in blitzes or be dropped back in coverage. Chicago’s defensive coordinator could create immense protection issues for opposing offenses, as Gardner-Johnson and Gordon could be interchanged as blitzers, or even rush the passer at the same time creating a massive issue for an unaware or less mobile quarterback.

Being able to rush either Gordon or Gardner-Johnson, while also having Johnson take away an opposing offense’s top wide receiver, will also boost Chicago’s defensive line pass-rush capabilities. A key feature of Allen’s defensive scheme is to rely on pass-rush pressure from the defensive line or blitzing secondary members to force takeaways. In the two games that C.J. Gardner Johnson has with the Bears’ defense, the unit has force four takeaways, including forcing two quarterback fumbles.

The presence of Gardner-Johnson will free up Chicago’s two best defensive lineman pass-rushers in Sweat and Booker, as the two defensive ends have recorded sacks in the team’s last two games. Chicago’s Pro Bowl pass-rusher has recorded a sack in four consecutive games, including two and a half in the last two weeks. C.J. Gardner Johnson paired with Gordon and Johnson could give Sweat and Booker favorable one-on-one situations against opposing blockers that the defensive linemen should win.

Due to the ongoing injuries in the secondary, Chicago’s pass coverage may continue for the next few weeks, but could immediately improve once several players get healthy. C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s ability to rush the quarterback may give the Bears’ defense just enough to make game-altering plays such as a sack or turnover, which is invaluable in a close-score game. Gardner-Johnson’s presence could have an immense influence in the month of December, even if he isn’t the one making a play directly, but because his returning teammates are making plays due to him being on the field.

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