The Chicago Bears were stunned in the 2022 draft when Washington cornerback Kyler Gordon fell to their first pick in the 2nd round. Every mock draft scenario they put together had him long gone. He was one of the best players on their board by a wide margin and was an easy decision for GM Ryan Poles. After a rough start to his rookie season, Gordon rebounded down the stretch to collect four interceptions. It was a sign the young man had adjusted to the NFL’s speed. Coming into 2023, there was a tangible buzz at Halas Hall about his progress.
Unfortunately, an injury in the opener against Green Bay sidelined him for a month. Fans didn’t get to see that progress. Since returning, that has changed. While the interceptions haven’t come yet, Gordon’s presence on the field is impossible to ignore. He played his best game yet against Carolina last Thursday night, flying all over the field. It hasn’t gone unnoticed. According to NFL.com, the Bears’ second-year cornerback ranks as the fifth-best slot defender in the entire league.
“Coverage Score: 77
Pass Rush Score: 83
Tackle Score: 74
SLOT OVERALL SCORE: 80
Gordon led all Bears defensive backs in playtime last season (79.4% of defensive snaps) and he has stepped into an even bigger role this season with his slot snap rate increasing from 43.9 percent to 73.6. The second-year pro out of Washington has heeded the call, as his 5.0 yards per target allowed on slot targets is the fifth-best figure among all defenders (min. 15 slot targets).
But like Trent McDuffie, Gordon is a viable threat as a pass rusher. His five pressures are second-most among all defenders from a slot alignment (and tied for third-most among all cornerbacks), leading to the second-highest pass rush score (83) on this list.”
Kyler Gordon is steadily becoming what the Bears envisioned.
Head coach Matt Eberflus said when he took over, three positions defined what made his Tampa-2 defense function at a high level. Two were the three-technique defensive tackle and the weak-side linebacker. The other was the slot cornerback spot. Think Ronde Barber in Tampa Bay or Kenny Moore in Indianapolis. When you have somebody good in that position, everything else works better. Since returning from his injury, the Bears pass defense has improved with Gordon on the field, allowing barely over 200 yards per game.
The splash plays haven’t been there this year, but that can’t diminish his impact. Kyler Gordon is a good player. His value to the Bears’ defense is becoming undeniable. One has to imagine as the team continues to add pass rush help in the coming months, his value will only grow. The same goes for his 2022 draft classmate, Jaquan Brisker. Poles has put some nice pieces into that secondary. If Gordon can snag a few interceptions down the stretch, he might get himself into Pro Bowl consideration.
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If the Bears want to discuss something, let’s try: how many 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year players can they develop into starters, and Pro Bowl players each year? If they can do that up and down the roster, Poles simply has to acquire physically (and mentally) talented players, his coaches will coach them up, and he can either trade, extend, or release players that will have greater value to OTHER teams. If DJ Moore, can develop through a good quarterback to the level of AJ Brown, BUT if they can develop Mooney and Cole Kmet, and Tyler Scott, who wouldn’t… Read more »
@BearDownTX — Let me tell you why I agree with so much of what you said — why it’s not good for the Bears — and why Ryan Poles is at fault (‘he’s just not a good evaluator of talent and value). Does Poles play favorites? Without a doubt. No problem — if the Poles’ guy is the “best man” (Example: Braxton Jones over Larry Borom). If that’s what the coaches want — cool! It’s their job is on the line. Next we have, Teven versus Nate, and the “question of value” issue. Which player matters more to the future… Read more »
In just two drafts this team is really shaping up. They aren’t winning a lot yet but that will come.
Great job Poles.
He’s been a great almost corner/safety hybrid with his tackling and blitzing. Having the slot position solidified in a cover 2 is huge. Can’t wait to see him improve
@TGena on the rant again about Davis and his Pace favorites. I agree that Jenkins has been Pro Bowl level at RG. But what is better Davis as RG and Jenkins at LG or keep it the same and move Davis into LG and play a position he has never played in the NFL? It’s certainly better the first way, and that’s why the Bears are doing it. Whitehair is washed up, can’t block a thing, so I’m not sad they will get to shed his 10m contract next year. I would rather pay that 10m to Davis than Whitehair!… Read more »