Dolphins CB Chris Johnson’s growth to be tested vs. Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase

Miami Dolphins admin October 10, 2026 0 Comments

Dolphins CB Chris Johnson’s growth to be tested vs. Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase

Miami Dolphins cornerback Chris Johnson craves a challenge.

That’s certainly what awaits him Sunday in the form of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. And when the two clash at 1 p.m. Sunday, it’s a chance to see how much the rookie has grown.

“I just try to go into it with a clear mind and understanding that whatever my responsibility is doesn’t change, regardless of who the player is,” Johnson said, explaining that he doesn’t want to overthink the matchup. “When you’re facing one of the top guys, you got to stay calm.”

Chase has been one of the best wideouts in the league ever since the Bengals selected him No. 5 overall in 2021. The accolades—five Pro Bowls, two All-Pros and offensive rookie of the year—speak for themselves. Outside his former LSU teammate Justin Jefferson, nobody has recorded more receiving yards since 2021.

“Chase is at the very top” of the receiver position, coach Jeff Hafley said. “After we played them last year and I saw him live, I have a ton of respect for him. Complete route runner, great hands, great body control, can catch and run, is strong, is willing to block. He plays the game the right way.”

Johnson, meanwhile, has improved greatly since a rough Week 1 performance in which the Las Vegas Raiders seemingly picked on the rookie. Even then, however, his prowess against the run showed.

“When it comes to stopping the run, it takes all 11 guys, and it takes all 11 guys to stop the pass,” defensive coordinator Sean Duggan said. “When you got DBs that buy into that and are willing to be physical… it’s cool to watch and a credit to the players.”

Added Johnson: “It’s really just a mindset. I’m not about to be on the field and be viewed as a weak link, as somebody on the field who doesn’t want to tackle.”

This sort of play that can invigorate an entire defense but also alter game plans, according to Johnson.

“It just makes a defense 11 strong,” Johnson said of his run defense. “A lot of teams have runs schemed up to attack the perimeter and the guys who were lesser known at making good tackles compared to the front, the linebackers and some safeties. It just shrinks the offensive plan down. They can’t really attack the perimeter against us as much as they like to because we are willing to tackle out here.”

The last few weeks, however, have seen Johnson combine his run defense with textbook man coverage. Against the Minnesota Vikings, the former San Diego State standout was targeted just four times and allowed three catches for seven yards, according to Pro Football Focus.

That sort of confidence has the power to translate from week-to-week.

“It’s definitely a boost,” Johnson said. “I’m really just trying to keep stacking great weeks on great weeks. Just keep playing my best. Obviously, I’m starting to look more comfortable, to feel more comfortable. I’m just getting a little boost of confidence and understanding I’m here for a reason just like everybody else.”

That’s why Hafley’s advice to Johnson was rather simple: rely on his fundamentals and technique.

“You got to rely on your training,” Hafley said, “and you got to play with great eyes, great feet, great physicality. You got to finish violent at the reception point. You got to understand where your help is and play with the leverage to your help. And you got to be physical and you got to be aggressive because that’s how he plays the game. I want to see him be himself and I want to see him take a step.”