Bears rookie CBs prepared to step up vs Broncos
The tough news for the Chicago Bears has now been confirmed. The team will be without three important defensive backs against the Denver Broncos on Sunday. The secondary depth will certainly be challenged against the Broncos offense and the Bears will be forced to rely on two rookie cornerbacks starting on the perimeter. Second-round pick […]
The tough news for the Chicago Bears has now been confirmed. The team will be without three important defensive backs against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
The secondary depth will certainly be challenged against the Broncos offense and the Bears will be forced to rely on two rookie cornerbacks starting on the perimeter.
Second-round pick Tyrique Stevenson and fifth-round pick Terell Smith are expected to be the team's top two starters at the position in Week 4.
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus addressed the media after practice on Friday and explained how his confidence still remains, despite all the injuries in the secondary.
"Those guys are excited, they're ready," Eberflus said. "We played a lot of young guys last year, I think those guys have talent and I think they're good players. I'm excited to see [Smith] and [Stevenson] in there full time."
"It's gonna be good challenge for those guys," he added. [The Broncos] have really good receivers, who got really good speed in that position group. So, it's gonna be a good challenge."
The Bears rookie cornerbacks will be tasked with defending the Broncos strong duo of talented wide receivers in Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, along with a promising rookie of their own in Marvin Mims Jr.
Sutton and Jeudy have combined for 35 receptions for 295 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2023, with both wide receivers averaging over 10 receiving yards per reception. Mims has been even more as explosive, averaging 27.9 yards per catch. The Broncos first selection in April's draft has totaled 429 all-purpose yards and scored two total touchdowns when you include his work on special teams this season.
The challenge to cover those three difference makers will be a major one for Stevenson and Smith. Smith especially, as he's set to make his first career NFL start on Sunday. The 24-year-old has appeared in every game this season and had 10 total tackles against the Chiefs in Week 3.
"For a young guy, there's a lot of learning experiences, but it wasn't too big for [Smith]," Eberflus said when asked about his performance. "I thought he played well and I think he's going to continue to play well. If you're a rookie DB, they're going to come after you, and that's what they'll do. He's up for the challenge."
The two rookies will have comfort in the secondary behind them while facing the Broncos speedy pass catchers in safety Jaquan Brisker. With all the injuries the Bears have faced on defense this season, Brisker has been the man to step up and command the struggling unit.
"[Brisker] will step up and tell the [defense], 'Hey, this is where we're going. This is the energy we need to have and this is the focus we need to have," Eberflus added. "You can see him stepping up in those moments and that's what a good leader does."
As the unit prepares to face off against quarterback Russell Wilson and the Broncos offense, the Bears will also be set to debut recently signed cornerback Joejuan Williams. Eberflus mentioned that the midweek acquisition has picked up the scheme really well and will be used in "a couple of different spots" on Sunday.
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