Cornerback Kyler Gordon has missed a large chunk of training camp nursing an undisclosed injury for the Chicago Bears. Only this past week did he finally return to practice. It wasn’t certain if the third-year veteran would see any action in the preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The answer is yes, and fans were sure glad he did. Gordon practically took over the game on the opponents’ second offensive drive. He made not one but two tackles for a loss to start the series. Then, on 2nd and 10, Matt Eberflus sent him on a corner blitz.
Bengals quarterback Logan Woodside didn’t see him. What followed was something Bill Goldberg would’ve been proud of.
This is a reminder of why Gordon was the Bears’ first pick in the 2022 draft. Everybody wanted offensive players but GM Ryan Poles knew the Washington cornerback had special ability. His quickness, speed, and unusual physicality made him a terrific nickel option. This is just the latest example of what he brings.
Kyler Gordon is a reminder of how loaded the secondary is.
Jaylon Johnson is the unquestioned superstar of the group. He was outstanding last season and might be even better this year. Tyrique Stevenson had four interceptions as a rookie. Veteran safety and former All-Pro Kevin Byard signed as a free agent. It is easy to forget Gordon is in that mix as well. He has exhibited Pro Bowl-caliber play in the past. The question has always been one of health and consistency. If this is who the Bears get for the entire season, the NFL can’t ignore him anymore.
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Nobody should be surprised if he doesn’t take another snap for the rest of the month. Kyler Gordon made his point. He’s ready. The Bears defense is ready. They should give the backups as much work as possible to fortify the depth. Meanwhile, head coach Matt Eberflus can continue working with Caleb Williams to get the offense ready for week one. They still need some work, which isn’t much of a surprise. Until they find their stride, Gordon and the defense can handle the heavy lifting.
Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker were two very solid picks made by Ryan Poles at the top of his first NFL Draft in 2022. Bears fans were thrilled to have a well reasoned plan to improve the team — that is until Poles inexplicably selected Velus Jones Jr., in the 3rd round, at #71. Knowledgeable fans (as well as some in the local press) who urged Poles to chose OT, Bernhard Raimann (Indy did at #77) have been proven right by the PFF grades and rank in their list of NFL offensive tackles. There Raimann scored an 87.7 grade and… Read more »
He kind of reminds me of cross between Plank/Fencik.. will be fun to watch him for the next few seasons. Smart move by Poles to get a couple of DBs his first draft. They usually take a few seasons to peak. That time is now.