CHGO Digest: Why Tyrique Stevenson is primed for breakout season

Good morning, friends!

You don’t necessarily want to bury the tape from Week 1 if you’re the Bears‘ offense. But you want to learn from it, grow from it, and replace it with a better representation of the talent within the unit.

It won’t be easy, especially against a lethal Texans pass rush.

Just don’t make your defense do all the heavy lifting. C.J. Stroud is unfortunately less prone to idiotic mistakes like Will Levis’ Savardian Spin-o-rama interception.

The operation doesn’t have to be perfect a week removed from near catastrophe — just better. Help your defense, help your special teams.

Win.

— Patrick Norton

---

Tyrique Stevenson’s Week 1 DPOW just the start

When Jaylon Johnson is so good, quarterbacks refuse to look his way, opportunity knocks for the other defensive backs to make the game-changing plays.

Against Will Levis and the Titans, it was Tyrique Stevenson’s turn. The second-year corner picked Levis’ lollipop throwaway attempt, sprinting 43 yards down the sideline to paydirt, giving the Bears their first lead, and ultimately their first victory of the season.

Stevenson’s heroics earned him the honors of NFC Defensive Player of the Week, but there’s reason to believe this is just the start of a special year for the 24-year-old.

• While Jaylon Johnson allowed only one catch for -2 yards in Week 1, Stevenson held his own, too, surrendering just three receptions on nine targets for 42 yards — good enough for a 46.8 passer rating. Despite also being in coverage for Levis’ lone touchdown pass of the game, Stevenson ranked 14th among 94 cornerbacks according to PFF (74.9).
  
• The pick-six was the first of Stevenson’s career: high school, college, pros. The corner said on Wednesday, “[It] still doesn’t feel real.” But the otherworldly feeling isn’t stopping Stevenson from looking ahead to an important test against a potent Texans offense.
  
• Whether he’s on Houston’s Nico Collins or Tank Dell, it’s all eyes on the quarterback. Stevenson called C.J. Stroud an “all-around quarterback,” adding, “[When the] pocket closes, he can get out with his feet, make all the throws.” However, it doesn’t matter if it’s Levis, Stroud, or another quarterback: “They’re in front of the run we want to go on, name on the jersey doesn’t matter”
  

🔎 GO DEEPER | Nicholas Moreano’s first film study of the season: T.J. Edwards, Jaquan Brisker, and Andrew Billings break down their biggest plays against the Titans.

---

Joe’s on Weed St. for Week 3!

Join CHGO’s Corey Wootton, Alex Brown, Lance Briggs, and the rest of the CHGO Bears crew for a special CHGO Bears Watch Party during the Bears-Colts game at Joe’s Bar on Weed Street.

---

What’s Bears’ contingency plan if Rome Odunze, Keenan Allen can’t go Sunday?

The Bears dressed four wide receivers in Sunday’s season opener against the Titans. Two of the four — Rome Odunze (knee) and Keenan Allen (heel) — landed on Wednesday’s injury report, missing a crucial day of install at Halas Hall.

Even DJ Moore spent time on Sunday in the blue medical tent on the Bears’ sideline in the first quarter.

Entering the season, the wide receivers room was the greatest strength of a tremendous-looking offense on paper. The team’s health around Caleb Williams is massively important for winning games, and arguably no group is as important when it comes to the young quarterback’s progression as the receiving corps.

• Odunze’s 6-foot-3, 215-pound frame and 6-foot-2, 211-pound Keenan Allen bring size, speed, and elite talent to the field. That can’t be replaced if either receiver can’t go against Houston. But replicating their game and output isn’t their replacement’s job. As Caleb Williams put on Wednesday, “Obviously, it’s going to be a little different because Keenan’s Keenan, Rome is Rome. But Tyler is Tyler. DC is DC.”
  
• Tyler Scott was inactive against Tennessee but is the next man up if Odunze or Allen are sidelined. Scott has a chance to make a name for himself as a steady fourth among a crowded receiving corps but first needs to find his way into the action. Head coach Matt Eberflus spoke about the chance on deck for the second-year receiver, calling it an “opportunity,” adding, “You’re looking for a crack in the door.”
  
• DeAndre Carter stepped into the kick returner role following Velus Jones Jr’s muff last Sunday, receiving 13 snaps with the offense as the fourth receiver. Carter caught one pass for six yards. If the Bears are without Odunze and Allen against the Texans, Collin Johnson or Samori Toure could get the call-up from the practice squad. Both players were active in drills during the open portion of Wednesday’s practice.
  

🔎 GO DEEPER | Patrick Norton (hey, that’s me!) on Caleb Williams and the offense working to “keep getting better” regardless of who’s available.

---

Roundup: Levshunov injured, Reinsdorf praises Sox’s effort

• Blackhawks first-round pick Artyom Levshunov will not participate in the Tom Kurvers Showcase in St. Louis this week after suffering a minor foot injury. The ailment stems from the defenseman taking a shot off the foot during a recent practice. It is unclear if he’ll be healthy enough to participate in the preseason with the Blackhawks before heading to Rockford for the beginning of the season.
  
• White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf released a statement addressing the team’s historically awful season. Reinsdorf said, “This year has been very painful for all, especially our fans.” The chairman praised the players and staff for their work ethic and for “bringing a professional attitude to the ballpark each day.” Reinsdorf ended the brief release, saying “No one is happy with the results, but I commend the continued effort.” 33-114 — that’s what the “continued effort” has achieved.

The Eighty Five with Cole Kmet

🎧 SPOTIFY | APPLE PODCASTS | Cole Kmet recaps victory vs Titans + Kicking it with Cairo Santos

---

Join us for an upcoming CHGO event!

🍻 9/22 | CHGO Bears Watch Party at Joe’s On Weed St. — Week 3 vs. Colts
🍻 9/29 | CHGO Bears Tailgate at Wabash & Cermak! — Week 4 vs. Rams
🍻 10/6 | CHGO Bears Tailgate at Wabash & Cermak! – Week 5 vs. Panthers