Rookie for the Bears Makes Waves in NFL Before Season Kickoff Against Packers
Rookie Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson Eyes League-Wide Impact in Bears-Packers Season Opener
As the Chicago Bears gear up for their September 10 showdown against the Green Bay Packers, rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson aims to make an instant impact. Speaking in a rookie diary series for ChicagoBears.com, Stevenson discussed how his preseason interception against the Buffalo Bills provided him the confidence he needs for his NFL regular-season debut. He's not just preparing for the game; he's sending a message to the Packers and the NFL as a whole.
«From the very first play next Sunday, I plan to announce my presence in the NFL. My goal is to bring the best Tyrique Stevenson to the field every snap,» Stevenson said. «It's a significant game, and I intend to represent the Bears accordingly, maintaining focus and delivering on the plays that I was brought here to make.»
The Bears traded up to draft Stevenson with the 56th overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft, sacrificing a fifth-round pick to climb five spots. Stevenson, who displayed strong physicality and ball skills over his three years at Miami, is projected to start on Day 1 opposite veteran cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
Rookie Terell Smith Continues to Challenge Stevenson Stevenson's position as a starting corner wasn't handed to him; he earned it during preseason. While he had minor slip-ups in coverage due to his aggressive playstyle, he demonstrated a keen sense for the ball and a consistent intensity that aligns well with the Bears' defensive philosophy.
However, Stevenson will need to stay sharp as fifth-round pick Terell Smith is hot on his heels. The Bears initially split first-team reps between Stevenson and Smith, setting up a heated rookie rivalry. Though Smith was sidelined for one preseason game due to injury, he's expected to be the top rotational option and could keep the pressure on Stevenson throughout the season.
The Secondary: The Crown Jewel of Bears' 2023 Defense?Besides Stevenson, the Bears have made other noteworthy defensive additions. They have signed standout linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards in free agency, and drafted promising depth like fifth-rounder Noah Sewell.
The defensive line has also gained substantial depth with rookies Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens and veteran presences like Yannick Ngakoue, DeMarcus Walker, and Rasheem Green. Collectively, the outlook appears much brighter than the previous season.
Yet, it's the secondary that may emerge as the most formidable part of the Bears' 2023 defense. Cornerbacks Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson have been prepping for significant roles, with Gordon acclimating to the slot position and Johnson aiming to add more impact plays to his reliable coverage. The safety duo of Eddie Jackson and Jaquan Brisker could be one of the NFL's best, given Jackson's previous Pro Bowl-caliber performance and Brisker's All-Rookie recognition last year.
While improvements are needed in the frontlines and the linebacker corps, the Bears' secondary could be a dominant force in the 2023 season if the new additions live up to expectations.
| POLL | ||
3 SEPTEMBRE | 55 ANSWERS Rookie for the Bears Makes Waves in NFL Before Season Kickoff Against Packers Will the Bears beat the Packers? | ||
| Yes | 42 | 76.4 % |
| No | 13 | 23.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
