Staley Da Bear
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- Mar 16, 2019
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Johnson only had a handful of practices to prove his readiness, but it was enough to convince Pagano.
"Ever since he's been cleared for limited and then full participation," said Pagano, "he's done a really good job. He's a quick study. He gets it. He's an athletic guy. When he's around the ball, he makes plays, he makes interceptions, he's got exceptional ball skills, and it's not too big for him."
Johnson will face a dangerous passing attack that features receivers Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr., with Matthew Stafford under center.
"He's going to go against one of the top quarterbacks in the league in Matthew," said Pagano. "He's going to have his hands full, but he's up for the challenge."
Sneaky good: With linebacker Robert Quinn held out of the last two practices with an ankle injury, Barkevious Mingo, the Bears' other free-agent acquisition at linebacker, may see an increased role Sunday. The former first-round pick has now played for six teams in six years, but he has a fan in Pagano.
"He's got some dominant traits," said Pagano, "and obviously he was drafted where he was because of those traits. He's kind of sneaky good. With his length and athleticism, his ability to bend, he's got a nice little toolbox of pass-rush deals, and he's smart."
Mingo played for Pagano and outside linebackers coach Ted Monachino when they served as the head coach and defensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts, respectively, in 2017. That familiarity has allowed Mingo to adapt quickly.
"Obviously, he was in our system," said Pagano, "so that was simple for him. He can rush from a lot of different places, but he's got a nice skillset. And again, his length and athleticism, his bend, his burst, he's got, again, enough tools there to affect the quarterback and hopefully get to him."