Tag: Tyrique Stevenson

Alontae Taylor snubbed for Defensive Player of Week 1 recognition

Alontae Taylor was snubbed for the NFC Defensive Player of Week 1 award. Not everyone gets a Will Levis pick-six thrown right to them:

Credit where it’s due: Tyrique Stevenson made a big play when the ball was thrown to him. The Chicago Bears defensive back intercepted Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis and scored a game-changing touchdown on the return that left the second-year passer falling to his knees with his helmet in his hands in disbelief.

But come on. Anyone can intercept Levis. New Orleans Saints nickel Alontae Taylor was the first defensive back to record three sacks in a single game in team history. It’s just the thirteenth time in NFL history that a cornerback or safety has done that. But it was Stevenson recognized as the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 1.

Look a little deeper. Pro Football Focus charting found that Taylor was targeted 4 times against the Carolina Panthers, but he yielded just 35 yards and a single first down on 2 receptions, with a pass breakup. Stevenson was targeted 9 times and allowed 3 catches for 42 yards, each reception converting a first down, including a touchdown. He also had a pass breakup and that pick-six. In the official NFL gamebook, Taylor was credited with 5 tackles plus an 1 assist. Stevenson had 2 tackles and as many assists.

Both players enjoyed strong performances. But only one of them made history. Taylor will just have to wait for his recognition another day.

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Will Levis delivered a brutal surrender cobra after throwing a pick-6 to Bears’ Tyrique Stevenson

Will Levis knew this pick-6 was so bad that he fell to his knees.

For a while on Sunday afternoon, it looked like the Tennessee Titans had the Chicago Bears’ number. A struggling Caleb Williams couldn’t get much going in his debut, and the Tennessee offense was having its way with Matt Eberflus’ highly-touted defense.

Much to the chagrin of Tennessee’s second-year quarterback Will Levis, the elite Chicago defense eventually decided to flex its muscles.

Late in the fourth quarter, after Jonathan Owens sparked a comeback with a blocked punt return, the Titans faced a key third and long. When the Bears brought a well-timed cornerback blitz, Levis probably should’ve just eaten the sack. You live to fight another day and don’t kill your team with the worst possible mistake at that moment.

Instead, Levis threw up a duck while falling to his knees, which Chicago cornerback Tyrique Stevenson gladly returned for one of the easiest pick-sixes you’ll ever see.

https://twitter.com/NFLonFOX/status/1832866702180089971

While Stevenson’s play in itself was incredible, helping give the Bears their first win of 2024, I want you to note Levis’ reaction.

Check the replay, and you can see the Titans quarterback falling to his knees in a full-on surrender cobra, knowing he just made an unforgivable, backbreaking mistake. I’m … not sure I’ve ever seen that from a quarterback before, and it’s pretty amusing:

https://twitter.com/ThisActuallyLex/status/1832872404235772146

Ah, the joy and agony of a tight fourth quarter embodied in one sequence between a quarterback and cornerback. Thank you, Will Levis, for capturing the essence of NFL Week 1 to a tee.

Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson pointedly struck down the narrative that Keenan Allen has lost a step

Keenan Allen deserves a lot more respect than he’s getting.

The Chicago Bears knew they’d want to do everything possible to help No. 1 overall Caleb Williams shine as a rookie. (Especially as he annotates all of his critics online.) That’s why they traded for veteran Pro Bowler Keenan Allen. That’s why they picked the gifted Rome Odunze at No. 9 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

It was all for Williams and his hopeful success.

But as Chicago’s starters officially wrap up their preseason, a new narrative has emerged about Keenan Allen’s viability as a dynamic playmaker. Specifically, the idea is that he’s lost a step and isn’t burning cornerbacks the way we’re accustomed to seeing him do for years.

After Tuesday’s Bears training camp practice, standout second-year cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was asked for his opinion on the matter. Conveniently, Allen spent the day scoring two touchdowns on his teammate, who defends him one-on-one just about every day.

So of course Stevenson came to the strong defense for a star receiver who has nothing to prove in exhibitions:

Stevenson’s position is so reasonable.

Allen is an experienced veteran playmaker, albeit older at the age of 32, who has been around the block. Even if he might look “slower,” Allen has nothing to gain from going full-throttle in preseason football. It’s more of a ramp-up period for him to be ready when the games really count so he can conserve his energy and legs. When push comes to shove in the regular season, Allen will likely be there ready to cook helpless defensive backs as he has en route to six career Pro Bowl selections.

And even if he somehow isn’t, again, the Bears drafted Odunze. They are prepared for a scenario where Allen gradually becomes the wily vet who knows how to sit down in open zones while Odunze potentially supplants him in their receiving pecking order.

Any unwarranted “controversy” over Allen suddenly not being a capable weapon is just that — unwarranted.

Looking back on the Bears’ all-time trade in franchise history

The Bears trade of the No. 1 pick in 2023 has set them up for success in the long term.

The Chicago Bears did an incredible thing for their franchise just last year. General manager Ryan Poles pulled the trigger on a trade that redefined the franchise moving forward that will help them build a winner.

After earning the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, as the worst team in the league, they opted to forgo selecting a quarterback and ride with Justin Fields. The result? One of the best trades in NFL history.

The Bears traded the top selection to the Carolina Panthers for a haul that has turned into wide receiver DJ Moore, right tackle Darnell Wright, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, quarterback Caleb Williams and a 2025 second-round selection still on the way.

While the trade isn’t finalized yet — with that second rounder to be — it’s already one of the greatest trades in franchise history.

For one, Moore became their No. 1 receiver immediately. Even with inconsistent quarterback play from Justin Fields in 2023, Moore stood out as one of the best wideouts in the NFL.

Wright, selected at 10th overall in 2023, was one of the Bears’ best offensive linemen and looks the part of a franchise right tackle. It won’t be long until he is helping the Bears have one of the best offensive lines as a result.

Stevenson, selected at 56th overall in 2023, started immediately as a rookie and emerged as a playmaker in the secondary. With one year under his belt, Stevenson will look to build off a strong finish in his first season.

Carolina was the worst team in the NFL last season, which led to the Bears getting the No. 1 pick and selecting quarterback Caleb Williams. Chicago has never had a star quarterback that is considered elite. Williams may end up being that guy.

Getting Moore, Wright and Stevenson out of that trade is very good right off the bat. Add in Williams’ potential and you could be talking about one of the greatest trades ever made in NFL history.

As for Carolina, they selected Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, who struggled during his rookie year. C.J. Stroud, who was selected second overall by the Houston Texans, looks like the much better player. That is going to be a painful comparison for a long time if Young doesn’t take a step. That isn’t Chicago’s problem though as they got the best of the deal by far.

Bears DC Eric Washington believes LBs and DBs among the best in NFL

Bears DC Eric Washington believes the team’s back seven is “as good a group as there is in the NFL.”

There are high expectations surrounding the Chicago Bears heading into the 2024 season, and rightfully so.

While there’s plenty of excitement surrounding this offense, especially with the addition of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the defense has been flying under the radar.

Chicago’s defense was among the worst in the NFL in the first half of the 2023 season, but they made huge strides and were a top-10 unit in the final leg of the season. The addition of Montez Sweat at the trade deadline was a huge reason why.

Now, the Bears are returning their young core — including re-signing All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson to a long-term deal — and expectations are high for this defense.

New defensive coordinator Eric Washington believes the pass rusher is better this year compared to the previous year. Although, it still needs some work. But Washington had high praise for Chicago’s linebackers and defensive backs, which he believes are among the best in the NFL.

“Our back seven, I think they’re as good a group as there is in the NFL,” Washington said. “I’m biased, but having a chance to be on the football field and watch them and watch the details, there’s a lot to be excited about.”

The Bears overhauled their linebacker group last offseason with the additions of T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds, and they were a big part of the defense’s success in 2023. Now, they’re back, along with Jack Sanborn, and looking to continue their dominance.

Chicago’s secondary is a young, ascending unit that made huge strides last season after struggling out of the gate. Johnson is the veteran anchor in that group, but there’s plenty of young defensive backs in place with Kyler Gordon, Jaquan Brisker, Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith. They also added All-Pro veteran safety Kevin Byard in free agency.

With the improvements made — and the continued development of young talent — the ceiling is high for this Bears defense in 2024.

Bears players discuss the team’s ‘rare’ chemistry

The Bears appear to be on the cusp of something special as they close out the 2023 season.

The Chicago Bears appear to be on the cusp of something special as they close out the 2023 season.

Following a disastrous 1-5 start, the Bears have transformed into one of the NFC’s best teams winning five of their last seven games with a dominant defense and ascending offense.

While Chicago has already been eliminated from playoff contention, they have an opportunity to end this season on a high note with a win over the hated Green Bay Packers this Sunday and head into the offseason on a three-game winning streak.

“I think we’ve improved tremendously in all phases,” said quarterback Justin Fields. “That’s players and coaches. We’ve grown a lot as a team. Our chemistry has grown with each other. Excited to go out there and ball out.”

That chemistry has been a big part of the Bears’ turnaround, and it’s something they’re looking to carry into the 2024 season.

“You’ve got a bunch of guys in this locker room that’s now considering each other brothers,” said rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. “We’re all definitely locked in and definitely understand that we all want one goal and that’s to win every single game that we go out there and play together.”

Fields faces an uncertain future as Chicago holds the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. But one of the things that could help convince Bears brass to stick with Fields — along with his improvement since returning from injury — is the team chemistry that’s developed this season.

“Just how tight-knit we are, how we’ve grown over the season, it feels like almost a college locker room where you pretty much live within a 10-minute radius of all the guys, you’re always hanging out and stuff like that,” Fields said.

“The chemistry that we have, the closeness that we have within our group is amazing to see and it’s rare in the NFL. So I’m definitely grateful for all of the relationships and connections I’ve made with all of my teammates this year, so it’s just been awesome.”

With the Bears building something special to close out the 2023 season, why not run it back in 2024?

Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson named NFC Defensive Player of Week 17

Bears rookie CB Tyrique Stevenson’s impressive two-INT performance vs. the Falcons earned him Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Chicago Bears rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week following his impressive outing against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17.

Stevenson totaled five tackles, two interceptions and four pass breakups in a dominant 37-17 Bears win over the Falcons.

Stevenson, a second-round pick in 2023, has started all 15 games he’s played this year. He’s tied for a team-best four interceptions and leads all Chicago defenders with 15 pass breakups.

This is Stevenson’s first NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. It marks the second time this season that a Bears player has earned player of the week honors. Wide receiver DJ Moore earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week following a dominant performance in Week 5.

Stevenson has really come into his own over these past few weeks. According to Pro Football Focus, Stevenson has been targeted 22 times since Week 15, where he’s come away with three interceptions, four forced incompletions and allowed a 47.7 passer rating.

Tyrique Stevenson picks off Joe Flacco for Bears’ third INT

Tyrique Stevenson is the latest Bears defender to intercept Browns QB Joe Flacco.

The Chicago Bears defense have been takeaway machines since the arrival of  star defensive end Montez Sweat, and they’ve been on an absolute tear against the Cleveland Browns.

Quarterback Joe Flacco tossed three interceptions in the first three quarters, including picks by safety Eddie Jackson and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, which led to 14 points.

Rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was the latest defender to add his name to the list, coming away with a crucial interception of Flacco as the Browns offense was threatening to score.

Bears wide receiver Trent Taylor had muffed a punt that was recovered by Cleveland, setting the Browns offense up at Chicago’s 20-yard line. One play later, Stevenson picked off Flacco to prevent what could’ve been a touchdown for tight end David Njoku.

It was Stevenson’s second interception of the season. He picked off Lions quarterback Jared Goff back in Week 11.

Bears rookie Tyrique Stevenson praised for matchup vs. Davante Adams

Rookie CB Tyrique Stevenson held his own against WR Davante Adams in the Bears’ 30-12 win over the Raiders.

With injuries in the defensive secondary, Chicago Bears rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson has seen more time in a starting role than expected.

In Sunday’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, the former second-round pick out of Miami was tasked with a daunting matchup against wide receiver Davante Adams.

Widely known as the best route-runner in the NFL, the matchup — at least one paper — had the potential to be a disaster. That’s no offense to Stevenson. He’s a rookie still cutting his teeth in the league going up against a top-five wideout.

However, Stevenson set the tone early that he was not about to let Adams have his way. On a key third-and-four at the Bears’ 23-yard line, the rookie corner batted away a pass intended for Adams. The Raiders would miss the 41-yard field goal on the next play.

Stevenson finished the day with a season-high three pass deflections and six tackles in the Bears’ first home win at Soldier Field in over a calendar year. More importantly, he and the Bears defense kept Adams out of the endzone.

“He did well,” head coach Matt Eberflus said. “Tyrique is a young corner, so he’s going to continue to grow. This matchup was obviously a big matchup. He wasn’t matched on him the whole time, but he was some, and again, he’ll learn from that.

“He’s going to play against a lot of really good receivers this year, and the important part of being a rookie is just to keep learning. You know, take that, put it in your file and learn for the next time you play that particular player because it’s all about the one-on-ones and all about the matchups out there.”

Stevenson has had his learning moments this season, for sure. On Sunday, the rookie was flagged for a defensive pass interference on a second-and-25, leading to the Raiders’ first points.

In seven games this season, the 23-year-old has allowed 324 yards on a 69.7 percent completion rate and a 140.7 quarterback rating. On the surface, those are not great numbers.

But considering he’s started every game in his rookie year, you have to take the good with the bad. On Sunday, it was more good than bad, which, in turn, will be a confidence booster for the young corner going forward.

“Gave me the confidence that I can go out there and play, I can go out there and cover a veteran like Davante (Adams),” said Stevenson following the game. “It added to my confidence, and I feel like it added to the team confidence.”

6 things to know ahead of Bears vs. Raiders in Week 7

The Bears are looking to get back in the win column when they host the Raiders in Week 7. Here’s what you need to know ahead of the game.

Pessimism regarding the Chicago Bears is at a season-high following last week’s disappointing loss to the rival Minnesota Vikings.

Not only did the team fail to match their offensive splendor that they displayed in Week 5, but the Bears also lost quarterback Justin Fields to a thumb injury that may keep him out a few weeks. Any hopes of a miraculous playoff run are all but dead, and questions are once again being raised about the future prospects of head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, as well as Fields himself.

With so much ire polluting the air, it’ll be good to take a breath and look forward to next week’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The two teams have a surprising amount of connective tissue, from both starting signal-callers having various injury issues to a blockbuster trade that fundamentally changed the direction of their respective franchises.

Here’s what you need to know ahead of Bears vs. Raiders in Week 7.