Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Bears young corner proves secondary is in good hands

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kole Noble | Last updated 1/1/24

The Chicago Bears defense continued to play at a high level in Week 17 against the Atlanta Falcons lead by their promising young players in the secondary.

The team's defensive unit in the backend as really started to come along over the past few weeks of the season. The development of the Bears defensive backs helps prove that the team is on the right path toward future success.

The Bears defense ranks first in the NFL with 22 interceptions in 2023 despite only having three during the first six games of the season.

In Week 17 against the Falcons, the Bears came away with four interceptions, marking the team's third game of the season with four takeaways.

The Bears have three players with 4+ interceptions this season for the first time since 2010; cornerback Jaylon Johnson, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.

Stevenson has emerged as the most surprising name on that list. The Bears second round draft pick leads all rookies in interceptions in 2023 following his two interception performance against the Falcons.

It wasn't just the takeaways, Stevenson looked strong in coverage for the first time this season and the result was shown on the field. Stevenson was targeted in coverage eight times and allowed just two receptions for 11 yards.

Tyrique Stevenson.. pic.twitter.com/mhcRdPbLx8
— Dave (@dave_bfr) December 31, 2023

The rookie cornerback has been put through the ringer in 2023 but Week 17 was by far his best game as a pro thus far.

As a rookie, Stevenson has faced a lot of heat from opposing quarterbacks especially being lined up on the same defense as Johnson, who has been lock down opposing wide receivers in 2023. However, Stevenson made the Falcons quarterbacks pay for looking his direction on Sunday.

If the #Bears can lock Jaylon Johnson down to an extension, I love the thought of him and Tyrique Stevenson holding it down outside at CB for years to come.

JJ has been elite this year, and Stevenson’s development is a sneaky big reason the defense has improved.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) December 31, 2023

Slot cornerback Kyler Gordon and linebacker T.J. Edwards had the Bears two other interceptions in Week 17. The team's ball hawking skills are well rounded throughout the entire unit and it's a testament to the players the team has put in place.

The entire unit seems to be in a good place with the young and talent stars emerging in the secondary. The group will look even more dominant for year's to come once Johnson is locked in on a long-term deal in Chicago.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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