The Chicago Bears suffered a downright embarrassing loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon. While there were many issues in that game, among the biggest was the struggles in the secondary, as Chicago allowed Jared Goff to throw for 334 yards and five touchdowns.
One of the contributing factors was All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson leaving the game due to an injury. Johnson reaggravated his groin early in the first quarter, and that ended up sidelining him for the rest of the game. The Bears were struggling to slow down the Lions' offense even with Johnson in, so it became a bigger issue once he left.
That said, Bears fans received some very bad news on the cornerback health on Monday afternoon. According to Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, Johnson will be sidelined for the rest of the season due to the groin injury. Johnson's injury means third-year cornerback Tyrique Stevenson must step up.
For Johnson, this injury is the worst possible news. Despite many around the NFL viewing him as a top cornerback, he was riddled with injuries throughout his career. After getting paid before the start of last season, Johnson played all 17 games for the first time in his career. With Johnson's injury, third-year cornerback Tyrique Stevenson must step up.
Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson Needs to Step up in Place of Jaylon Johnson
Ever since the fateful Hail Mary against the Washington Commanders, Stevenson has struggled to make an impact. The 25-year-old finished the 2024 season with a 58.4 grade in pass coverage and a 58.9 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus. Moreover, his commitment to the team continued to be questioned even after he apologized for the mistake
Even so, lots of Bears fans were ready to give Stevenson another shot this season under a new regime. New defensive backs coach Al Harris is known for coaching his players hard. Over the past few seasons, Harris has helped the Dallas Cowboys' defensive backs play at a very high level.
Thus, Bears fans were optimistic for the 25-year-old heading into this season. Unfortunately, he has not started the season strongly. Stevenson has recorded a 49.4 pass coverage grade and a 44.7 overall grade in two games this season.
Furthermore, he has allowed a perfect pass rating (158.3) against him, given up 17.7 yards per reception, and been penalized twice. That level of play is unacceptable for any starter, especially someone who has as much potential as Stevenson.
Following the catastrophic news about Johnson, the Bears need Stevenson to step up. If he doesn't, Chicago's defense will be in huge trouble for the rest of the season.