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Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson has plenty to prove heading into a contract year, where he'll once again be competing for a starting job, this time with fifth-round rookie Malik Muhammad and Terell Smith.
It's been quite a journey for Stevenson, who's had his share of ups and downs during his three seasons in the NFL. He started immediately as a rookie, and he's had some impressive flashes. But he's also had some red flags, including his role in the Hail Mary disaster against the Washington Commanders back in 2024. Stevenson has moved on from that incident, and working with defensive backs coach Al Harris has certainly been a factor.
Last season, Stevenson totaled 49 tackles, one interception, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two pass breakups in 13 games with 10 starts. Harris recently shared his evaluation of Stevenson from last season, where the coach admitted he needs to do more to help the former second-round cornerback reach his full potential, echoing head coach Ben Johnson's comments about coaches needing to do better.
“I would say I had to do a better job with ‘Rique — me,” Harris said, via Chicago Tribune. “Because regardless of anything else, what shows on the field, that falls in my wheelhouse.
“Toward the end of the year, I thought he was excellent in terms of how he was handling himself, being accountable. I think that led into the guy we’re seeing right now. The talent is definitely there. He can do whatever I ask him to do.”
Harris has been hailed for his work with the secondary that led the NFL in interceptions (23) and boasted a pair of Pro Bowlers in safety Kevin Byard and cornerback Nahshon Wright, who both departed in free agency. With Wright's departure, Stevenson has an opportunity to make a statement in the final year of his rookie deal and perhaps prove he's worthy of a contract extension or make a strong audition for a new team.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears DBs coach Al Harris on maximizing CB Tyrique Stevenson
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It's been quite a journey for Stevenson, who's had his share of ups and downs during his three seasons in the NFL. He started immediately as a rookie, and he's had some impressive flashes. But he's also had some red flags, including his role in the Hail Mary disaster against the Washington Commanders back in 2024. Stevenson has moved on from that incident, and working with defensive backs coach Al Harris has certainly been a factor.
Last season, Stevenson totaled 49 tackles, one interception, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two pass breakups in 13 games with 10 starts. Harris recently shared his evaluation of Stevenson from last season, where the coach admitted he needs to do more to help the former second-round cornerback reach his full potential, echoing head coach Ben Johnson's comments about coaches needing to do better.
“I would say I had to do a better job with ‘Rique — me,” Harris said, via Chicago Tribune. “Because regardless of anything else, what shows on the field, that falls in my wheelhouse.
“Toward the end of the year, I thought he was excellent in terms of how he was handling himself, being accountable. I think that led into the guy we’re seeing right now. The talent is definitely there. He can do whatever I ask him to do.”
Harris has been hailed for his work with the secondary that led the NFL in interceptions (23) and boasted a pair of Pro Bowlers in safety Kevin Byard and cornerback Nahshon Wright, who both departed in free agency. With Wright's departure, Stevenson has an opportunity to make a statement in the final year of his rookie deal and perhaps prove he's worthy of a contract extension or make a strong audition for a new team.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears DBs coach Al Harris on maximizing CB Tyrique Stevenson
Continue reading...
