3 things we learned from Bears DC Alan Williams

(2) Williams excepts cornerback Jaylon Johnson to bounce back after struggling against the Lions.

“I do know this, when Jaylon hasn’t performed up to his standards, I do know the next week, you can almost bet the next week is going to be better,” Williams said. “He’s prideful, he’s smart, he’s tough, he’s mentally stable. And so I guarantee you this week will be even better than last week.”

Johnson was dealing with an oblique injury last week, causing him to be limited in Thursday and Friday’s practices. While the cornerback was listed as questionable on the Friday injury report, he started Sunday’s game.

Johnson uncharacteristically gave up a couple big plays against Detroit, including a 44-yard pass from quarterback Jared Goff to receiver Tom Kennedy late in the fourth quarter, which set up the game-winning touchdown.

“I think, not just Jaylon, but anyone, and me included, that when you go into a ballgame and you have expectations of how you’re going to perform and especially when you work hard—as hard as he does—that yeah, it’s going to bother you,” Williams said. “I’m glad that it bothers him that he didn’t grade out A-plus. That just means he’s going to continue to work, continue to improve. You know what, we wouldn’t think anything different. Even if he grades out A-plus, we’re still looking for that it’s A-plus-plus the next week. So we don’t approach it any different.”

(3) Williams sees continuous growth in rookie cornerback Kyler Gordon, whether it’s in the meeting room with the types of questions he asks or his comfort level in games.

Gordon, the Bears’ second-round draft pick, has started all 10 games in his rookie year and played 98.8 percent of the defensive snaps this season. Like any young player, Gordon has struggled at times, but made big plays in other moments.

Four weeks ago, the Washington product recorded his first career interception, picking off Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe in the fourth quarter and returning it 42 yards. Then against the Lions, he was flagged for an unnecessary roughness penalty for a late hit on Goff. Coach Matt Eberflus said that penalty can be avoided with better body control, serving as a learning moment for the rookie.

While the ups and downs are unavoidable, Williams is excited about Gordon’s consistent improvements and ability to play faster each week.

“When you talk about rookies or first year players, you have to give them a little bit of grace,” Williams said. “Not much. But a little bit in terms of…