The Chicago Bears experienced far more upheaval at cornerback last season than anybody expected. Jaylon Johnson was injured before training camp even began, and that lingered for months. Kyler Gordon suffered multiple injuries before and during the season as well, playing only sporadically for most of the year. Then you have Tyrique Stevenson. Things at least seemed stable with him at the beginning, but somewhere along the way, the former 2nd round pick was benched. His playing time was drastically cut down despite Johnson and Gordon never being 100%.
People couldn’t figure out why. Ability wasn’t the problem. Stevenson’s talent felt like a good fit for Dennis Allen’s defense. It wasn’t health. He never popped up much on the injury report. The only possibility left was attitude problems. Coaches weren’t happy with his effort and/or work ethic and decided to give his snaps to those willing to earn them.
It must’ve been a hard lesson because Stevenson released a video with a message. He admitted that the past two years were on him, but he was out for blood this year. Not just because he’s out to prove himself, mind you. He has a son now, and it’s time to set an example.
Tyrique Stevenson being a motivated father is significant.
Don’t let anybody fool you. Having a child tends to change your entire perspective on life. It makes you think about legacy and wanting to set a good example for your son or daughter. There is also the aspect of providing for them. Remember, Stevenson is in the last year of his rookie contract. This is the best and last chance he has to cash in for a big payday next offseason. Plenty of prominent athletes saw their careers blossom after having a kid. Fred VanVleet in the NBA is one example. He had a child during the Toronto Raptors’ championship run in 2019. Kurt Warner evolved from backup quarterback to MVP upon becoming an adoptive father to an autistic son.
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This is where Stevenson has ended up. He’s had some really good stretches since his rookie year in 2023. Sadly, those are overshadowed by some ugly issues along the way. He had really bad coverage busts early in his career, highlighting his struggles in zone coverage. Then there was the infamous Hail Mary fiasco in Washington two years ago, where he was jawing at fans while the final play was in progress. It almost happened again in January against the Rams before he was saved by Kevin Byard.
Stevenson won’t be handed anything.
It is clear the Bears aren’t sold on him at this point. Defensive backs coach Al Harris has considerable sway on who should or shouldn’t get playing time. Allen has no reason to doubt him, given his track record. That means Tyrique Stevenson was benched on his authority. So if there is one person the cornerback must win over, it is Harris. That means showing up to every practice in shape and motivated. No moaning and groaning. Arrive every day with a smile and eager to work. By the look of things, Stevenson has reached that point.
He certainly has the motivation that’s been missing. A lot of money is on the line, as is his son’s future. If this helps Stevenson finally transform into the player he could be, that is great for the Bears. Having three good cornerbacks is often the difference between a regular defense and a great one. Don’t expect the organization to just hand him the job, though. They already plan to give former 5th round pick Zah Frazier a real shot, and will most likely add more help in the draft. He’d better be prepared to compete.
