The Chicago Bears defense has been outstanding the past few weeks. They stymied the red-hot Dallas Cowboys and then forced 11 turnovers over the following three games. Much of that comes from the superb play of their secondary. Kevin Byard already has four interceptions this season. Jaquan Brisker had a sack and an interception last week. Kyler Gordon also had a sack. Yet, probably the unsung hero has been Tyrique Stevenson, quietly becoming their #1 cornerback in the absence of Jaylon Johnson.
As has become the case this season, though, the injury bug continues to haunt this team. Thursday's injury report was not encouraging. Stevenson missed his second practice in a row with a shoulder problem. If he is unable to go on Sunday in Baltimore, the Bears will be down two of their top three corners against a possibly returning Lamar Jackson. You're looking at Nahshon Wright and either Nick McCloud or Josh Blackwell as your starters alongside Gordon. Not an ideal scenario when your pass rush has been hot and cold all year.
The Chicago Bears can't expect to lean on the defense this time.
As great as Dennis Allen is as their new offensive coordinator, even he has limits. When you start losing so many key players, it's going to show on the field. Caleb Williams can't afford another down game like last week. He and the running game must control the action and put up points. Baltimore may be 1-5, but they're still a talented team, will be at home, and are desperate. They will come at the Chicago Bears with everything they have, knowing a loss all but torpedoes their season.
The best the defense can do is try to minimize the damage. Don't let it get to shootout territory. This team isn't built or that yet. If they can keep it to around 24 points, we've seen the Bears able to pull off victories. The tougher question is how long Stevenson will be out. Is this a one-week thing, or could we see him gone for multiple games? If it's the latter, Chicago might be compelled to go hunting for help on the trade market.
