The Chicago Bears’ defense is driven by two primary forces at the moment. One is Pro Bowl defensive end Montez Sweat, and the other is Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson. People can make a legitimate case for the latter of being one of the three or four best corners in the game. Quarterbacks have become so wary of him that they rarely throw the ball in his direction anymore. That is a sign of respect. However, avoiding Johnson may not provide the relief opponents are hoping for.
Johnson might be a Pro Bowler right now, but it sounds like there is an undercurrent of belief inside Halas Hall that they have another one on the way. Tyrique Stevenson is blossoming faster than anybody could’ve predicted. Adam Jahns of The Athletic seemed to suggest that some inside the building think he’s approaching star status.
“I ain’t no weak link just because there’s an All-Pro corner over there,” Stevenson said. “You can just up and throw it over here as you feel like it.”
It’s on Stevenson to turn those into pass breakups and interceptions. If he does, more accolades will come his way. This type of defense has room for two Pro Bowl cornerbacks. Hoke knows that better than most. He coached the Bears’ secondary in 2012 when Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings earned that distinction under former coach Lovie Smith and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli. Tillman was an All-Pro, too.
Hoke will continue to watch Stevenson closely.
Bears secondary coach Jon Hoke believes the signs first appeared in training camp this summer.
Stevenson didn’t struggle against the team’s starting receivers like he did last year. Everything, from his fundamentals to his discipline, was better.
“He was having a rough go in training camp with DJ (Moore) and everybody a year ago, and now he’s improved,” Hoke said in a recent conversation. “It’s not like that (this year). He’s more consistent with what he does. He’s gotten better technically. And he’s also gotten a lot of growth mentally as far as what to do and how to do it the right way.”
The Chicago Bears knew what they were doing.
One thing that has always been true about the NFL is the best defenses always seem to have two great cornerbacks. The 1970s Steelers had Mel Blount and J.T. Thomas. Duane Starks and Chris McCalister made up the 2000 Ravens. The 2002 Buccaneers had Ronde Barber and Brian Kelly. Don’t forget the 2015 Broncos with Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. Even the Bears have tasted this formula with the combos of Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher and Tillman with Tim Jennings. Yet this latest version might be the most exciting.
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Why?
It is not only the most athletically gifted pairing the Chicago Bears have had but also one of the youngest. Johnson is still only 25 years old. Stevenson is 24. If these two maintain this level of play with minimal injuries, there is a strong possibility the team can keep them together for the next five years. Stevenson has five interceptions in his last seven games. Johnson has five in his last 11. It is easy to see why the team is so excited about this pairing.
I agree
@Dr. Melhus — My opinions (as are yours, and the opinions of others, here) are always “warranted” — for what they actually are — mere opinion. These opinions are not “slams” nor are they evidence of hate, nor attempts to display intellectual superiority (“Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar”). Some readers post their opinions in advance of the targeted player’s on-field performance; others rely on statistics, past performance (as a predictor of the future), and/or NFL “common knowledge.” However, all of these, must be adjusted when the player demonstrates the commonly held beliefs are incorrect. In other words: it’s… Read more »
Having two STUD CBs creates the ultimate flexibility for the Bears. They can blitz, line up with 6-8 across the line, and drop out into coverage. This will do more for everyone on that line as well. If we get a consistent pass rush because of the pressure and pressure looks, then the sky is absolutely the limit. Don’t forget we have Gorden and two ballhawk safeties as well. This defense has the makings of something good to great. Don’t forget about TJ Edwards, who was already in last season’s form in game 1 of this year. I’m fine having… Read more »
@TGena: “… he (Stevenson) has been an excellent draft selection (in a trade-up) by GM Ryan Poles.”
Good on ‘ya, Gena. I agree, and if I’m going to be critical when you slam Poles when it isn’t warranted, I gotta give you praise when you mention good things he does. Johnson and Stevenson will hopefully be a great CB duo for many years, and hopefully Terrell Smith backs them up well.
Stevenson is an absolute dog and I’m extraordinarily happy that he’s suiting up for us every week.