A Bears DB Return Could Ignite the Defense
The Chicago Bears currently sit at 1-2, at the beginning of head coach Ben Johnson’s first season. After an impressive 31-14 win against the Dallas Cowboys last weekend at Soldier Field, the Bears head to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders on Sunday afternoon. Their performance against the Cowboys has single-handedly reignited the Bears fanbase and their belief in Ben Johnson. However, can this defensive back’s return this week also reignite a defense that has so far been mediocre?
Cornerback Kyler Gordon will make his season debut against the Raiders. Gordon has been sidelined since Week One, after having no injury designation until just a few days before the Bears’ first game against the Minnesota Vikings. The injury came as a bit of a surprise for Bears fans, and the length it would go on to would be another shocker and cause for concern. Nevertheless, Gordon will finally suit up and make his return to a defense that has desperately needed his help. In three seasons with Chicago, Gordon has had five interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 207 total tackles. He has earned himself the nickname “Spidey”, reflecting his playstyle to that of Marvel superhero Spider-Man. He has become an impact player for the defense, and will now turn his attention to fixing the Bears’ cornerback problem.
Cornerback Jaylon Johnson has been put on the IR for an undisclosed amount of time, with Bears fans fearing it could be quite a while until they see their star corner return. His absence has been felt, as Chicago ranks in the bottom five for average yardage allowed per game with 387. The Bears have relied on their backups, namely corner Tyrique Stevenson, who has struggled against the top wide receivers they’ve played against. After an impressive game last Sunday for Stevenson against the Dallas Cowboys, where he earned himself a forced fumble, he will look to build off that performance and lean on the help of Gordon. The Raiders offense has had its struggles so far this season, and Gordon will look to take advantage of that as he returns to the field Sunday afternoon.
