The Chicago Bears suffered a gut-wrenching 31-26 loss at the hands of the Detroit Lions in Week 11. However, there were many encouraging positive storylines despite the loss. One of the biggest positives was the emergence of rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.
Stevenson has had a rough rookie season up to his Week 11 performance. Drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the University of Miami defender had hefty expectations to operate as one of the Bears’ starting outside cornerbacks.
Immediate success hasn’t come, though. Stevenson has been one of the busiest cornerbacks in the league, targeted 75 times through 11 weeks, and is tied for most receptions allowed with 52. In addition, the rookie has garnered a 51.4 overall PFF grade and allowed 527 yards and seven touchdowns in pass coverage.
Another concern is the abundance of penalties Stevenson has committed due to his aggressive style of play.
Stevenson has shown flashes, though. He has seven pass breakups this season, including a performance where he recorded three against the Las Vegas Raiders.
When asked by CHGO Sports about what grade he would give himself for his rookie season, Stevenson admitted his struggles and gave himself a fitting C.
What grade does Tyrique Stevenson give himself so far in his rookie season? pic.twitter.com/fl9eTngdnS
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) November 17, 2023
Two days after the interview, Tyrique Stevenson showed out against the Lions with his best performance as a pro.
Bears rookie Tyrique Stevenson has his first career interception. pic.twitter.com/2ELskSlTPZ
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) November 19, 2023
Bears Rookie Tyrique Stevenson in Week 11:
🐻 35 Coverage Snaps
🐻 Zero Catches Allowed
🐻 1 Interception
🐻 0.0 Passer Rating Allowed pic.twitter.com/dmKcBRp9yo— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 20, 2023
Stevenson hauled in his first career interception in the contest, tracking down an off-target Jared Goff throw and making an impressive play.
Bears rookie Tyrique Stevenson has his first career interception. pic.twitter.com/2ELskSlTPZ
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) November 19, 2023
The cornerback wasn’t just making plays on defense. He also shined on special teams, forcing a key fumble on a kickoff return, which allowed the Bears’ offense to get the ball back on the Lions’ 40-yard line.
Rookie Tyrique Stevenson is having a game!
INT & Forced Fumble
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/xyVx64l3vz
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 19, 2023
Stevenson earned a 77.5 PFF grade for his outing, which was the second-highest among rookie cornerbacks and fifth among all rookie defenders in Week 11.
Tyrique Stevenson: 77.5 PFF grade vs. the Lions in week 11
🔹 2nd among rookie CBs
🔹 5th among all rookie defenders pic.twitter.com/Pu2u0sKGsg— PFF CHI Bears (@PFF_Bears) November 21, 2023
Tyrique Stevenson’s sky-high potential was on display in Week 11. His performance gives the Bears optimism that he is adjusting to the NFL and a breakout is on the horizon. In a season where the Bears and general manager Ryan Poles have been getting early returns on rookies such as Darnell Wright, Gervon Dexter Sr., and Roschon Johnson, Stevenson adds his name to that list.
In a Bears cornerback room with superstar Jaylon Johnson and the emerging Kyler Gordon, the continuous improvement and development of Tyrique Stevenson could set the team up with one of the best young tandems in the league for the foreseeable future.
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