If the Chicago Bears are going to move to 2-0 against the Minnesota Vikings, they are going to need a bigger game from their defense, particularly cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Stevenson struggled in Week 1, allowing 77 yards and two touchdowns. Not many players are in more pressure to step up in Week 2, according to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report.
"Stevenson was a mostly reliable starter last season, and he needs to prove he can return to that form as soon as possible. The Bears need him to perform better, obviously, but the 26-year-old Stevenson is also in a contract year and is playing for a 2027 free-agent contract."Kristopher Knox
As Knox notes, this game is not only important for the Bears, but also for what Stevenson can make on the open market this offseason.
Chicago Bears Need Massive Turnaround from Tyrique Stevenson
The former second-round pick started his career on a high note, but has not quite been able to build on that. He started in 16 games and recorded four interceptions in his first season. However, he only started 14 games and recorded two interceptions in the following year.
His most notable play was allowing a Hail Mary touchdown to Jayden Daniels that seemed to derail the Bears' season. By the end of the year, he was platooning with Terrell Smith.
Stevenson was better in year three, but was not fully healthy. He only started in 10 games and recorded one interception. The coaching staff that drafted him is now gone, and the team did not seem interested in extending him before the season. Based on the first week, the decision made sense.
Chicago has been able to find depth at cornerback, so the team might not be interested in paying Stevenson. If he plays well, he will price himself out of what they want to pay for an inconsistent player. If he does not rebound from Week 1, the team might bench him. They would obviously not be looking to re-sign him.
One name to watch is Xavier Woods. If Woods can return to the lineup at safety, they could shift Cam Lewis into the slot and try rookie Malik Muhammad on the outside. Until Woods is back, Clark Phillips is their top backup on the outside. So, they have to continue to ride with Stevenson through the good and bad. It does not stop the pressure from ramping up.
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