Bears' second-year cornerback might replace Tyrique Stevenson in the starting lineup in Week 9 after costly mistakes vs Commanders
The Chicago Bears might make a change in the starting lineup on defense against the Arizona Cardinals on defense following Week 8's loss to the Washington Commanders.Second-year cornerback Tyrique Stevenson has been under a lot of fire this week following his performance against the Commanders that included being out of position and engaging with fans […]
The Chicago Bears might make a change in the starting lineup on defense against the Arizona Cardinals on defense following Week 8's loss to the Washington Commanders.
Second-year cornerback Tyrique Stevenson has been under a lot of fire this week following his performance against the Commanders that included being out of position and engaging with fans on the costly final play.
While the final play was the headline of the game, Stevenson struggled long before that play in coverage and had a key penalty after poking an opposing player.
On Monday, Stevenson met with his teammates and apologized for his actions on the field and spoke with the media for the first time since the game ended. While talking to the media on Wednesday, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus noted that he plans to keep any repercussions for Stevenson's performance in-house.
"I've talked with Tyrique, we had a great conversation, and I'll keep it there with him and I," Eberflus said.
In terms of any potential punishments coming Stevenson's way after how he played last week, the team's dead coach declined to offer any specifics that could affect his playing time going forward.
"Like I said, I'm not going to talk about Tyrique in terms of starting, not starting, all those things," Eberflus added. "I will say this; Tyrique's made a lot of plays for this group, for our defense, and for our football team over the last couple of years and he's going to continue to do that. We're behind Tyrique and we're with him all the way and we'll work through this as we go."
Clearly, Eberflus knows that he still needs Stevenson on the field for his defense. Stevenson has played great for the Bears the last two years starting opposite Jaylon Johnson and he won't be suspended by the team. But, he might be forced to come of the bench against the Cardinals on Sunday.
Chicago Tribune writer Dan Wiederer said on social media that "it will not be a surprise if Tyrique Stevenson does not start Sunday" and "signs seem to be pointing in that direction."
If that is indeed the case, another second-year cornerback will be first in line to take Stevenson's place in the starting lineup on Sunday in Terell Smith.
Smith started four games for the Bears in 2023, allowing a 58.1 completion percentage for 239 yards with one touchdown allowed and four pass breakups. His 81.4 passer rating allowed in 2023 was the third lowest on the team among defensive backs with 25+ snaps.
Smith returned to the field for the Bears against the Commanders after missing the previous three games with a hip injury. Smith played eight passing snaps in the loss and did not allow a completion on his only target.
Even if Smith starts over Stevenson on Sunday, still expect to see Stevenson take the field on defense at some point in the game. Hopefully taking a back seat to start the game can help send a message to the young cornerback.
‘I let the moment get too big’ – Tyrique Stevenson finally shares his thoughts on Bears’ loss to the Commanders in Week 8
It’s a learning moment for sure.
