The Chicago Bears’ defense has been solid this season. According to Pro Football Focus, the Bears rank as the 7th-best defensive unit in the league, with an overall grade of 74.6. They are elite in several key areas, ranking 5th in pass coverage, 12th in pass rush, and leading the league in tackling, with an impressively low rate of missed tackles.
However, one potential weak spot lies with second-year cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, a former second-round pick. Stevenson has struggled with discipline and maturity issues but his play as of late has also been a concern. His 56.8 overall PFF grade is the lowest among the Bears’ eight cornerbacks this year, and his 56.3 coverage grade also ranks last. In contrast, fellow 2023 draft classmate Terell Smith has impressed in limited action, earning the highest coverage grade on the team.
Recent snap counts suggest the Bears are gradually increasing Smith’s role. In Weeks 10 and 11, Stevenson logged 64 snaps compared to Smith’s 46, indicating a shift toward integrating Smith more fully into the defense. This approach seems justified, as Smith has consistently outperformed Stevenson while displaying greater maturity and discipline.
A league-wide chart tracking cornerback separation prevention and target rates further highlights this theory: Jaylon Johnson ranks among the best, while Stevenson is at the bottom. If Terell Smith continues to develop and earn more playing time, it could make the Bears’ secondary even more lethal.
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The Bears might finally make a bold move this week by turning to Smith and giving him the majority of the snaps. This shift could bring a significant change and serve as a wake-up call for Stevenson.
