Tag: Kyler Gordon

Why Bears fans should be excited about Kyler Gordon

Breaking down what Washington cornerback Kyler Gordon brings to the Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears didn’t have a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, but that didn’t stop them from landing a first-round talent when they finally went on the clock.

At No. 39 overall, the Bears landed Washington cornerback Kyler Gordon, giving them another versatile, athletic playmaker for rebuilding defense.

The latest in a long line of talented defensive back prospects to come out of the Huskies’ program, Gordon is a well-rounded defender with all of the mental and physical tools to make an immediate impact at the next level.

His combination of athleticism, instincts and technique should have Gordon challenging for a starting spot right away opposite Jaylon Johnson. Gordon’s skill set is also a fantastic fit for new head coach Matt Eberflus and his defensive scheme.

After moving on from some key veterans on the defense, the Bears are obviously leaning into the youth movement on that side of the ball. Gordon is a pro-ready prospect who could have easily come off the board in the first round, and could prove to be a huge bargain for Chicago down the road.

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10 takeaways from Bears’ OTA practices

The Bears have wrapped OTAs, and there was plenty to digest. Here’s what we learned from their three weeks of practice.

The Chicago Bears have wrapped their Organized Team Activities following Thursday’s practice at Halas Hall, and it was certainly an eventful three weeks for Matt Eberflus’ team.

The Bears conducted nine OTA practices over the last several weeks, where veterans and rookies continue to learn their new respective schemes. They forfeited Tuesday’s practice after violating offseason rules involving contact during May practices.

There were plenty of storylines over the last few weeks, including a couple of starters working the second team, Justin Fields’ continued development and the new culture taking shape under Eberflus.

Before the Bears kick off mandatory minicamp next Tuesday, here’s a look at what we learned from their three-week session of OTAs:

9 takeaways from Bears’ final week of OTAs

The Bears wrapped up OTAs on Wednesday, where there were some notable storylines. Here’s what we learned from practice:

The Chicago Bears returned to Halas Hall for their final Organized Team Activities (OTAs) practice on Wednesday ahead of next week’s mandatory minicamp.

Wednesday’s practice was the ninth of 10 allotted OTA practices. The Bears forfeited Tuesday’s practice after violating the CBA’s offseason rules involving contact during May practices.

There were plenty of storylines from Wednesday’s practice, where left guard Cody Whitehair, defensive tackle Justin Jones and head coach Matt Eberflus met with the media. Much like the previous weeks, there were some surprises, including another notable starter working with the second team.

Here’s what we learned from the final week of Bears OTAs:

Will Bears rookie CB Kyler Gordon finish top 3 in interceptions in 2022?

Bears CB Kyler Gordon has been flashing his ballhawking ability during OTAs. Can he make a push for top 3 in the NFL in INTs in 2022?

Bears rookie cornerback Kyler Gordon has been making a strong impression this offseason, and the expectation is he’ll be starting opposite Jaylon Johnson come Week 1.

Gordon has been “lighting it up” during Organized Team Activities, where he’s been a turnover machine. Bears linebacker Nicholas Morrow said Gordon had two interceptions on the first day alone. Simply put, there’s a lot of excitement surrounding Gordon.

“We’ll see where it goes. He’s young,” head coach Matt Eberflus said a couple of weeks ago. “He’s got a lot to learn, but we’re excited with where he is with his ball-hawking skills. No question.”

Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr made some bold predictions for the upcoming season, which included a rookie finishing in the top three in interceptions. Among the names he mentioned included Gordon.

Bold prediction: A rookie will finish in the top three in interceptions
This year’s rookie class has a ton of promise. Kyle Hamilton, Sauce Gardner, Derek Stingley Jr., Trent McDuffie, Kaiir Elam, Andrew Booth Jr., Kyler Gordon … someone will get picked on and make other teams pay for the mistake.

Gordon is certainly one of those guys who could get picked on. He’ll likely be the guy opposing quarterbacks target with Johnson opposite him, and that could translate to takeaways.

A huge point of emphasis for this Bears defense will be forcing turnovers, something they’ve struggled to do over the last few seasons. Chicago is hoping rookies Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker — who’s also been a ballhawk during OTAs — will help turn things around.

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3 burning questions for Bears ahead of 2022 season

The Bears have plenty of questions ahead of the summer. Here’s a look at our three burning questions.

This story originally appeared in a special edition of USA TODAY Sports Weekly: NFL Forecast 2022. On newsstands now.

The Chicago Bears are nearing the end of their offseason program with Organized Team Activities and veteran minicamp happening over the next couple of weeks.

There’s not a lot of confidence in this Bears team, which has to do with concerns on offense and defense as new head coach Matt Eberflus steps in. The biggest question revolves around second-year quarterback Justin Fields’ development considering his unproven supporting cast. While the defense added a pair of impact rookies in Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker, they lost a number of veteran starters this offseason.

Here are three burning questions facing the Bears ahead of the 2022 season:

Ranking the 13 biggest Bears additions this offseason

From rookies to veterans to coaches, here’s a look at the Bears’ biggest offseason additions.

It’s been an offseason of change for the Chicago Bears following a disappointing 6-11 season. The Bears fired both general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy and ushered in a new regime to get this franchise back on the winning track.

While the Bears haven’t made any big splashes this offseason, they made some important additions to the roster that will go a long way in determining the outcome of 2022 and beyond.

From rookies to veterans to coaches, here’s a look at the Bears’ biggest offseason additions.

Bears rookies Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker continue to impress during OTAs

Bears rookies Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker are making strong impressions this offseason, and they’re only going to get better.

While the national focus surrounding the Bears has been about concern for Justin Fields, Chicago is quietly getting better on defense. That’s thanks to the addition of second-round rookies cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker.

Sure, it’s early — and they’ve yet to hit the field in pads — but Gordon and Brisker have been better than advertised during the Bears’ offseason program. Especially with creating turnovers, which is something this Chicago defense has struggled to do over the last few years.

“(The rookies) do a good job of finding the football, punching it out, getting it out, they’re on the game plan, they’re in the right spots,” said teammate Nicholas Morrow. “And they’ll just get better, man.”

Bears defensive backs coach James Rowe likened Gordon to Colts Pro Bowl cornerback Kenny Moore and former NFL cornerback DeAngelo Hall, both players that he’s coached during his NFL career.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve had one quite like (Gordon),” Rowe said. “Kenny Moore has good short-area quickness. Kyler’s might be a tad better, but Kenny was a longer player. Out of the guys I have coached, no, I wouldn’t say anyone has the short-area quickness that I’m seeing from him right now. Probably DeAngelo Hall, but I coached the older DeAngelo Hall. That’s my buddy, so leave that one out.”

Then there’s Brisker, who might just bring back the Peanut Punch made famous by former Bears cornerback Charles Tillman.

“Well, maybe (Brisker’s) punch is a little bit heavier than most because we ask everybody to punch the ball on every play,” Rowe said. “I probably would hate to get in a fight with him. Nah, he just has a knack for it right now, and it’s something we all teach, obviously, the Peanut Punch. So he’s just got a specialty.”

Whether it’s rookie minicamp or now OTAs, Gordon and Brisker have been making a strong impression on their teammates and coaches. They’re making plays on a daily basis, even leading the defense in takeaways.

“I love both of them so far,” Rowe said. “Right now, they are leading the defense in takeaways. So Kyler has made a lot of plays. Jaquan is obviously already showing a great knack for punching the ball out, you know. They are learning the system. They are coming in and making good plays, and we are excited about both of them right now.”

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8 takeaways from Day 5 of Bears OTAs

The Bears returned to the practice field for the second week of OTAs. Here’s what we learned from Tuesday’s practice:

The Chicago Bears returned to Halas Hall for the second week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs), where they continue to adjust to learning their new respective schemes.

Tuesday’s practiced marked the fifth of 10 allotted OTA practices, and Chicago will return to the field Thursday to wrap up the second week of OTAs. They’ll return to the practice field for their final week of OTAs starting June 6 ahead of mandatory minicamp.

There were plenty of storylines from Tuesday’s practice, where tight end Cole Kmet, offensive tackle Teven Jenkins, linebacker Nicholas Morrow and head coach Matt Eberflus met with the media.

Here’s what we learned from the fifth practice of Chicago’s OTAs:

Bears rookie CB Kyler Gordon has been lighting it up during practice

Bears rookie CB Kyler Gordon is already making a strong impression during offseason practices.

Kyler Gordon has only been a member of the Chicago Bears for a few weeks, but the rookie cornerback is already making a strong impression.

Gordon, who was Chicago’s top selection with the 39th overall pick in the draft, has already made an impact on the practice field.

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said that Gordon has been “lighting it up” in practice so far during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) practices — particularly when it comes to making plays on the ball.

“Kyler’s been lighting it up the last two days,” Eberflus told reporters. “I’ll just tell you that. The guy’s got tremendous ball skills. He’s been playing the defense the right way, and we’re very impressed with him. I’ll just tell you that. And he’s doing a good job the first two days.

“We’ll see where it goes. He’s young. He’s got a lot to learn, but we’re excited with where he is with his ball-hawking skills. No question.”

Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams confirmed Gordon will play outside at cornerback, at least to start, as he doesn’t want to overload the rookie. But given Gordon’s versatility inside and outside, perhaps we could see Gordon make the transition in the slot.

Gordon, along with fellow second-round rookie safety Jaquan Brisker, is expected to start immediately alongside Jaylon Johnson in the secondary. And after hearing he’s already been making plays in practice, it’s not exactly a surprise.

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Kyler Gordon-Jaquan Brisker duo could be something special for Bears

Rookies Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker have a chance to establish themselves as foundational pieces on this Bears defense.

The Chicago Bears shored up the secondary with the selections of cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft.

While there were many who expected Chicago to go offense with one or both of those second rounders, the Bears found two immediate contributors in Gordon and Brisker, who are expected to start as rookies.

Lucky for Gordon and Brisker, they’re coming in at the perfect time as the Bears are installing a new defense under head coach Matt Eberflus.

“I do think there’s an advantage to that. Just because of the togetherness,” Eberflus told reporters. “They’re starting at the forward and working their way up. Those guys will have that special bond with each other, and they’re going to learn it as they go. They’re certainly both smart guys. They’re very intelligent, and they’re going to work together as they get through the defense.

“That’s going to be exciting to watch with those two guys.”

The hope is Gordon and Brisker establish themselves as foundational pieces on this defense moving forward. And given they’re part of the same draft class — and the top two team selections — there’s certainly a bond in the making.

“I think as we build our relationship, I think it’ll definitely benefit us,” Gordon said. “You know, we definitely talk about getting together and getting the playbook and pushing each other along. So, I think it’d be good for us to go back and forth with each other. I’m happy I got him on my side.”

Gordon is a versatile cornerback with experience playing inside and outside. But defensive coordinator Alan Williams explained that Gordon will play outside opposite Jaylon Johnson, at least for now. The Bears don’t want to overload Gordon as a rookie. Meanwhile, Brisker is another versatile, physical defensive back who will start at strong safety opposite Eddie Jackson.

Both Gordon and Brisker have the added benefit of coming into a new regime, where they have an opportunity to help get this defense and franchise back on track.

“I think it’s a great opportunity,” Brisker said. “A new staff. A lot of new people and a lot of new faces. I think everybody wants to change this around, and that’s what they brought me here to (do) to change it around. I feel like me coming in with the new staff, a lot of new players, a lot of new people, it fits right.”

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