The Chicago Bears’ cornerback situation is heating up, with Tyrique Stevenson finding himself under intense scrutiny and facing stiff competition as training camp progresses. With veteran Jaylon Johnson sidelined due to a leg injury, the door has opened wide for other defensive backs to showcase their abilities, putting Stevenson in a challenging position for the upcoming season.
Defensive coordinator Allen has publicly declared the starting cornerback role “completely up for grabs,” emphasizing the team’s commitment to fostering a competitive environment. He noted that different players have been seen practicing with the first-team defense, underscoring the philosophy that robust competition and performance on tape will ultimately dictate who earns a spot.
Stevenson, a second-round pick from the 2023 draft, has struggled with consistency, particularly concerning penalties. Reports indicate he leads the secondary in infractions during training camp, tying for the most penalized player on the Bears’ defense against the pass with five flags thrown his way, a clear area of concern for the coaching staff.
This disciplinary issue, coupled with Johnson’s absence, has created an opportunity for other cornerbacks. Names like Nashon Wright and Nick McCloud are gaining significant extra reps on the practice field, catching the eyes of coaches and further intensifying the battle for a starting role opposite Johnson.
Despite these challenges, Stevenson remains the most likely candidate to be the No. 2 cornerback when the Bears face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1. However, this position is not a given. His performance last season did not secure his spot, making it imperative for him to unequivocally win the starting job.
The stakes are particularly high for upcoming joint practices with the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills, as well as preseason games. These crucial evaluation periods will serve as Stevenson’s prime opportunities to demonstrate marked improvement, reduce penalties, and solidify his understanding of defensive schemes.
Entering 2025, Stevenson is largely viewed as a “prove-it” player, needing to demonstrate growth and maturity on the field. His attitude had reportedly been questioned by both the locker room and coaching staff following a critical Hail Mary pass allowed against the Washington Commanders last season, which resulted in a Bears defeat.
Based on the early stages of camp, Stevenson has yet to transform into a consistently clean and disciplined player. The ongoing competition and the visible increase in reps for his peers serve as a clear notice that his performance must elevate significantly to secure his future role with the Chicago Bears.
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