Let’s be brutally honest — Tyrique Stevenson looked like a future Pro Bowler as a rookie in 2023. Then he turned around in 2024 and played like he was allergic to consistency. What the hell happened? That’s the question Bears fans and analysts alike were asking as Stevenson’s second-year campaign unfolded like a slow-motion car crash. But before we slap a “bust” label on the kid and move on, let’s dig into why the sophomore slump wasn’t just a fluke — but a classic, almost predictable NFL storyline — and why Year 3 might flip the script entirely.
Let’s Talk Numbers: The Ugly Truth
Stevenson’s fall-off wasn’t subtle. It smacked fans in the face.
- 2023 (Rookie): 86 total tackles, 16 passes defended, 4 interceptions
- 2024 (Sophomore Slump): 78 tackles, 12 passes defended, 2 interceptions
He didn’t just slow down — he looked lost at times. His solo tackles dropped from 65 to 51, a 21.5% plunge. His interception total was cut in half. And if you looked at his PFF grade (an abysmal 58.9), he wasn’t just underperforming — he was borderline liability status, ranking 134th out of 222 cornerbacks. That’s bottom-third tier with a bullet.
Even worse? The penalties. Stevenson racked up 72 yards on four accepted penalties, with three being killer pass interference calls, per nflpenalties.com. That’s the kind of stuff that gets a guy benched — or at least cursed out on the sidelines.
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But Wait — It’s a Thing: The Sophomore Slump is Real
Let’s zoom out. The Harvard Sports Analysis Collective (yeah, we’re bringing Ivy League receipts) did a study that showed rookie corners who ball out usually see an 8.2% performance drop in Year 2. Why? Because opposing coaches finally get enough film to scheme these guys into oblivion. And cornerback — unlike positions that rely more on instinct and brute force — requires years of reps to truly master.
This isn’t just a Stevenson problem. It’s an NFL-wide trend. The same study notes that Year 3 is typically the rebound season, as players start catching up mentally and physically to the pro game.
Want more proof? Look at corners like Trevon Diggs, Marshon Lattimore, and even Stephon Gilmore. All had rocky starts or sophomore dips before hitting elite status. Stevenson’s career arc is pretty textbook so far. He’s just gotta write the next chapter right.
Coaching Overhaul: The Dennis Allen Effect
The best news for Stevenson’s career revival isn’t even about him — it’s about who’s now coaching him. The Bears brought in Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator, and that’s massive. This guy molded the Saints’ secondary into one of the league’s best, and he did it with a mix of man-heavy concepts and creative disguise packages that let athletic DB’s play fast and free.
Allen’s already dropping hints that Stevenson might be deployed in multiple spots — outside corner, safety, nickel, you name it. That positional versatility could unlock a new level for Stevenson, especially since teams feasted on his predictability in 2024.
Let’s put it this way: the Bears aren’t putting this dude in a box anymore. Allen wants to weaponize him, and that alone should scare the hell out of NFC North offenses.
More Pressure = Less Coverage Time
Stevenson had to play behind a defensive line that couldn’t pressure a high school QB in 2024. That’s changing in 2025. Chicago beefed up the trenches with Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett, giving the front a much-needed jolt of pass rush.
Why does this matter? Because good coverage is easier when the quarterback has 2.5 seconds instead of 4.5. More sacks mean less time for receivers to get open and more opportunities for corners to jump routes. That’s Stevenson’s wheelhouse.
If the line does its job, Stevenson’s numbers will rise — period.
Still an Athletic Freak
Let’s not forget: Stevenson didn’t magically lose the athletic tools that made him a second-round pick.
- 40-yard dash: 4.45 seconds
- Vertical: 38.5 inches
- Size: 6’0”, 198 lbs (Source: NFL.com)
That’s still elite. And it’s why no one’s truly panicking inside Halas Hall. The coaches see the physical traits, and now they’re betting that with better film study, better scheming, and better team defense, Stevenson will catch up mentally. Once the game slows down, his natural talent should reemerge in a big way.
What’s the Forecast for 2025?
Let’s throw some bold projections on the table for Stevenson’s third year — based on his rookie baseline, defensive upgrades, and historical rebound trends:
- Tackles: 87
- Passes Defended: 15
- Interceptions: 3
- Penalty Yards: 35 Yards
- PFF Grade: 70+
If he hits these numbers, we’re talking about a top-25 corner in the league — and that’s not a stretch. He’s already shown he can create turnovers and defend passes. The question is: can he do it with consistency?
With a beefed-up front seven, a scheme tailored to his strengths, and a better understanding of NFL route concepts, the odds are finally in his favor.
Final Verdict
Yeah, Stevenson’s sophomore year was a buzzkill. But let’s not pretend this guy can’t bounce back. He’s got the tools. He’s got the coaching. And he’s got the perfect timing — Year 3 is when good corners turn great.
If the Bears want to contend in 2025, they’ll need Stevenson to show up like he did in 2023 — and then some. And don’t be shocked if we’re talking about him as a dark horse Pro Bowl candidate by season’s end.
Let’s just hope he left the training wheels — and the pass interference flags — and the Hail Mary play back in 2024.
Our greatest weakness right now is, in my opinion, LT. Secondary is strong, no worries about it at all.
Another great article, Ficky!
tldr, but I’m assuming we cut Stevenson. Yay!
Ficky, another well-thought out and well-written piece. So much so, I could almost start liking Stevenson. He should play better this year as a junior. It’s preordained. I cannot wait for his senior year.