Cubs News: Gordon sets goals of at least five interceptions, All-Pro for 2024 season |
LAKE FOREST, I.L. - Chicago has an incredibly young secondary with strong personalities that bring energy and juice to the field. One player that contributes to this high-energy environment is cornerback Kyler Gordon who is going into his third season.
He had multiple interceptions in his first two seasons but spent time in the offseason to help him achieve his goals for his season, including being an All-Pro. “For me, just more film, recognition, just being quicker, run pass reading a lot, quicker to that and then always just touching on my craft as far as the press and off. Off is a big thing too for me,” Gordon said. “I got a lot of things in the back that I really want to accomplish from being All-Pro, Pro Bowl, more picks, five plus, turnovers and stuff like that. I got a lot of things in my head that I want. Definitely being healthy and not missing four games and stuff like that and I know I got a lot more to put on the table. So, I’m just excited to really show out this year.” Last season, the Bears lacked depth in the secondary, and it showed quickly after numerous players suffered injuries, including Gordon, who was only able to start in seven games. During the offseason, Chicago made specific efforts to add depth pieces to ensure the Bears do not lack depth in the secondary this upcoming season, and it is already showing in training camp. “Just having guys that (are) able to come in and have no drop off because we always talk about that, maximizing those reps whether they’re mental or physical and stuff and that’s what those guys do,” Gordon said. “We get in the film room. We talk. Everyone’s talking. It’s not like it’s just the starters (or) anybody. We’re all like one whole group. That’s why we talk about the team chemistry. It’s not individual guys. It’s a real bond and every position group and we bring it onto the whole defense. So, there’s really just no drop off. Everyone’s just trying to make the next play. So, everyone’s just feeding off each other.” One player others can certainly feed off of is cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. During his rookie campaign last season, Stevenson’s aggressive play and ability to go after the football led to him getting four interceptions. He also defended 16 passes, which was fifth in the league. His talent has stood out to Gordon and others on the Bears defense. “I feel like he’s just been on a steady growth, just been straight up here for real. As a rookie, you’re always going to go through your little hiccups and bumps and stuff like that,” Gordon said. “But, he’s always been able to take that and turn into lessons and grow and I feel like you guys saw the (pass breakups) PBUs and picks starting to come later in the season more and more and stuff like that and the match he’s been able to have, been able to lock down some of those guys and he’s just been growing steadily and consistently. So, that’s what I commend him for.” A phrase that has been thrown around frequently this offseason and during the start of training camp is iron sharpens iron. The Bears are expected to have one of the best defenses in the NFL after how they played the second half of last season and were tied for the most interceptions out of any team. Now, they will also be going against an elite set of receivers with Keenan Allen, DJ Moore and rookie All-American Rome Odunze. Fans will get their first glimpse at the Bears on Thurs. Aug. 1 in the Hall of Fame game against the Houston Texans (7 p.m./ABC), although it is unknown at this time how many of the starters will play in this game and if they do, how many snaps they will play.
