Through his first four weeks in the NFL, Dillon Thieneman has been the most consistent defender the Chicago Bears have. In Week 4, Thieneman was again the top of the Bears defensive leaderboard with seven combined tackles. In the absence of Coby Bryant, many thought the Bears' secondary would be lacking, but with Thieneman back there, everything has gone to plan.
According to the Chicago Bears website, Thieneman leads the team in both combined tackles (30) and solo tackles (15). He's consistently been on top of the leaderboard for the Bears, occupying one of the top two spots each game.
Thieneman has constantly needed to deal with a rotating secondary alongside him. Tyrique Stevenson has missed time, and Xavier Woods was brought in after Bryant's injury. The questions surrounding Kyler Gordon now seem as prominent as ever with the veteran corner's 21 day practice window now opened.
The Best is yet to come
When Coby Bryant was reported injured during training camp, it sent a ripple of anxiety through the Bears' fanbase. Bryant had been the biggest offseason free agent signing, and he was expected to lead the secondary from the jump, having just emerged from a Super Bowl victory. Thieneman was brought in as the future, meaning two talented safeties would be locked down for at least a few seasons.
Shortly after Bryant's injury, it was announced that he would miss 4-6 months, meaning at even the most generous of estimates, he would hardly be back in time for any regular season action.
But can you imagine a secondary where Bryant and Thieneman line up side by side?
That's the future the Bears are looking forward to, and if they manage to play their cards right, Bryant may return just in time for the playoffs.
Until then, the Bears can take solace in Dillon Thieneman, and the stellar skillset he brings to the table. A first round rookie almost always has plenty of pressure on their shoulders. But hardly any of them ever deliver as quickly as Thieneman has.
| More Bears on DaWindyCity |
Add us as a preferred source on Google