Dillon Thieneman’s DROTY case continues to grow after Week 3 performance but another Bears rookie is making a strong push of his own
The Chicago Bears have two promising rookies that have been fueling Dennis Allen’s defense through three games and continue to look better and better each week.
The Chicago Bears had a lot of questions defensively going into the season with all of the new additions and having to overcome the loss of veteran safety Coby Bryant. And things got off to a rough start in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers.
Since then, Dennis Allen’s unit has cleaned things up in a major way and the unit has been fueled by unlikely players in the two starting rookie defensive backs: first-round safety Dillon Thieneman and fourth-round cornerback Malik Muhammad II.
“Those are two players that I think continue to get better each and every week,” Allen said last week. “That’s really what we’re looking for across for all of our guys. Obviously, the young players have a lot of growth available to them, but all of us are trying to get a little bit better each and every day.”
Dillon Thieneman continues to be an eraser for Chicago’s defense
Thieneman has already looked like a fantastic addition for this defense, and that’s even playing at a position that’s had some roster changes alongside him with Xavier Woods and Cam Lewis splitting time at the other safety position. I cannot wait to see what Thieneman looks like once Bryant is eventually on the field with him.
Through three games, Thieneman leads the Bears with 23 tackles. Having your safety being your team’s leading tackler at any point is usually a concerning sight because it means you’re not getting enough production from the front-seven. I think Thieneman is just that good. He has been exploding to the ball on every single play, either against the run or in coverage. His speed is undeniable and his play recognition continues to improve.
Only Evan Williams, Kyle Hamilton, and D.J. Reed have more tackles this season than Thieneman among all defensive backs. Between those four players, Thieneman also has the most pass deflections with three.
Monday was another standout performance from Thieneman, who single-handedly stopped one of the Eagles’ offensive drives. Within a four play span in the second quarter, Thieneman made a touchdown saving tackle on RB Saquon Barkley, then stuffed Barkley at the goal line, and then intercepted backup QB Andy Dalton in the endzone.
“I feel like we’ve set a new standard for ourselves, Thieneman said after the game. “About how we can execute and communicate to stay on the same page. I feel like that sets up what we need to do going forward.”
Don’t overlook the impact Malik Muhammad II has made, either
Given the situation involving Kyler Gordon, the Bears needed to find someone that could step up and man the nickel position. Muhammad got thrown into the deep end despite his limited experience playing inside and has quickly learned to not only float, but swim.
He hasn’t been as quick to the ball as Thieneman, but Muhammad’s recognition has stood out through three games and he’s been a productive blitzer as well with two QB hits and a sack already under his belt. Coverage is where Muhammad has really shined, even with 16 targets coming his way, allowing a 46.9 passer rating.
Muhammad got bounced back outside in place of Tyrique Stevenson on Monday night and gave up two solid gains on crossing routes in man coverage. But, he eventually got his feet back under him and adjusted back to playing that position.
“I wasn’t good with my performance tonight,” Muhammad explained. “I felt like I played mid, I didn’t play that well. I’ve got way more levels to this.”
That mindset right there is what will take Muhammad to a higher level. He’s got the right approach as a rookie cornerback and is eager to continue stacking plays for this defense.
