As the Bears return from their bye week, they’re set for a big-time Monday Night Football matchup against the Washington Commanders. It’s a rematch from last season — a game Chicago lost in dramatic fashion after a last-second Hail Mary that the Commanders converted because of a defensive breakdown.
One player especially eager for redemption is cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. He went viral last year for taunting Commanders fans on that final play and was late to his assignment to defend the tipped pass in the end zone. But since then, Stevenson has matured — and his play has taken off.
With Pro Bowl corner Jaylon Johnson sidelined and Kyler Gordon also missing time (though expected back Monday night), Stevenson has stepped up in a big way over the past two weeks:
- 12 targets
- 3 receptions allowed
- 6 yards allowed
- 1 interception
- 3 pass breakups
- 1 forced fumble
- 1 fumble recovery
In a recent interview with Kevin Byard, Stevenson shared that he’s embraced that low moment from last year and used it as motivation — determined not to be defined by it.
What’s crazy is that everyone wanted to move on from Stevenson after the Hail Mary debacle. But Ryan Poles kept believing in him. The Bears didn’t cut him—they let him learn and grow from it, and now it’s really starting to pay off.
His growth is showing both on and off the field. If he can make an impact Monday night — this time for the right reasons — it’ll be another strong step in rewriting his story and proving just how valuable he’s becoming for this Bears defense.
