While the Chicago Bears’ offense gets all the attention, it’s their defense that has started the season as one of the best units in the NFL. They’re top five in defensive EPA per play allowed and fourth in defensive EPA per dropback allowed, and they still remain a solid run defending unit. One of their core players is nickelback Kyler Gordon, who is a ball of chaos in the slot. He has 33 tackles and three tackles for loss on the season, showcasing his growth and development into one of the top nickels in the game.
What stands out watching Gordon is that he is unafraid of mixing it up in the run game. As many times as offenses want to run at cornerbacks via duo and pin and pull schemes, Gordon throws his body in with reckless abandon to make big plays. Jacksonville tried him multiple times in the run game, and you can see his instincts on full display. On this run, he beats the receiver to the spot, getting a tackle for loss. His ability to narrow his body and make sure he doesn’t get touched, while also closing flat down the line to make this TFL. Kyler-Man can do it all.
Gordon has such good timing as a blitzer from the backside, taking great angles and finishing off plays with violent intentions. You always have to account for Gordon in the run game, because any time that he’s close to the line of scrimmage, you can believe he’s going to make a play. Again, another run away from Gordon, but the Bears can slant their defensive line to that side, knowing he can make a play from the backside, like they do here.
The aggression and physicality also stand out in the passing game on screens. Gordon is a bully, using his play strength to make sick plays on quick game and screens. Again, he just raises hell on defense and that’s super cool. Jacksonville is trying to run an arrow screen for Evan Engram via motion, and with the Bears showing a pressure look they’re outnumbered to that side 3 to 2. This should be an easy pickup for Jacksonville, but watch Gordon on this play. He dips under the block by Brian Thomas Jr and forces Engram to slow down, still making the tackle short of the sticks. The Bears were undermanned on this play, but still found a way to get it done, thanks to their friendly neighborhood Kyler-Man.
Gordon and the Bears have a bye week this week, but come back after the bye against Washington in a battle of rookie QBs. Gordon and the top flight Bears defense will have to be on point if they want to walk out with a win.
