HIGHLIGHTS:”The Impressive Performance of the Young and Talented Secondary Unit on the Chicago Bears’ defense…Read more
“Bears Defense Roaring to Life: Young Secondary Unit Steps Up, Bringing New Energy and Talent to Chicago’s Defensive Game”
Since the start of OTA practices last week, the Bears’ young and talented secondary has shown confidence, swagger, and unity.
“This is really a result of playing the young guys, the rookies, quickly,” said coach Matt Eberflus, “getting them in there and giving them game time immediately.”
Four key defensive backs for the Bears have been starting since they were second-round draft picks: Cornerback Jaylon Johnson in 2020, nickel back Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker in 2022, and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson in 2023. They have all gained significant experience and are now 24 or 25 years old.
Last season, the secondary played a crucial role in the Bears tying for the NFL lead with 22 interceptions. Stevenson and Johnson—who was named to his first Pro Bowl—tied with linebacker Tremaine Edmunds for the team lead with four picks each, while Gordon had two and Brisker had one.
In March, the Bears added experienced veteran safety Kevin Byard III, a two-time Pro Bowler from the Tennessee Titans with 28 career interceptions, tied for the fifth most among active players.
Byard has enjoyed working with his new secondary teammates.
“It’s been pretty cool,” he said. “I’m the oldest now, so I don’t have as much energy as the younger guys. But it has been exciting. Jaquan is very vocal and energetic. Kyler has his Spider-Man swag, which I like a lot. And Jaylon and ‘Rique on the outside are lockdown players, so it’s been exciting. It’s been a lot of fun. With our communication and different strategies in the back end, I expect us to be really good this year.”
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