Around Halas Hall, Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon earned the nickname “Kyler-Man”. It is an homage to your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man and in honor of Gordon’s playmaking skills.
“I feel like it’s similar to how I play,” Gordon said after Saturday’s practice. “Aggressive. I just like using my instincts, my abilities, and stuff like that. Especially in the nickel position where I’m at, as far as reading run, pass. Just trying to find a way to the ball and being around the ball.”
Kyler Gordon Brings ‘Spidey Senses’ to Bears’ Defense
Gordon, 23, was the second of two second-round picks by the Bears in the 2022 NFL Draft – along with safety Jaquan Brisker – taken No. 39 overall out of the University of Washington. He finished second on the team with three interceptions which were tied for the fourth-most among all rookies last season, per Stathead.
He also added one forced fumble and one recovery on top of six pass deflections.
Gordon was picked on by opposing quarterbacks, as most rookies are. He led the Bears with 82 targets on the season, and he allowed a 76.8% completion rate.
But Gordon was one of 18 defenders to make at least 70 stops while still boasting a missed tackle rate (2.7%) below 3.0% last season. Only seven of them played in the secondary. And just two besides Gordon played primarily at cornerback or in the slot.
Bears’ Kyler Gordon Turning Aggression Into Plays
Gordon’s aggression got the best of him at times last season, leading to the second-most penalties on the team behind left tackle Braxton Jones. Defensive coordinator Alan Williams noted that Gordon is playing off instinct rather than thinking, though, which should mean we can expect those things to trend in a positive direction this coming season.
They are letting him focus on being inside this offseason which he accepts for the greater good.
But that is significant because he was only switched there during training camp last year leaving him to learn a lot in a short time.
His instincts, or Kyler Senses as it were, should be even sharper with the benefit of muscle and actual memory through the reps he got last season. A baptism by fire can quickly show if a player isn’t cut out for the spotlight.
Just your friendly neighborhood Kyler-Man #Bears pic.twitter.com/d4wZNM7TsS
— Josh Buckhalter (@JoshGBuck) July 29, 2023
Gordon has embraced it every step of the way which bodes well for him and the Bears going into this season where everyone is expecting more. That includes his head coach Matt Eberflus who came to Chicago after four seasons as the defensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts, and is still taking a hands-on approach, coaching Gordon up at Saturday’s practice.
The corner had gotten beaten by wide receiver D.J. Moore for a touchdown in team drills, making for a teaching opportunity.
“He was just saying reading the formation, and look across for the rimmer,” Gordon said of Eberflus’ instructions. “I got picked on the play, so just trying to see the whole full picture a little bit more. But it’s tough. When you get picked you gotta communicate a little bit more, and try to figure it out.
Teaching is a big reason Eberflus was hired and seeing those messages stick is a good sign.
Reserve Tight End Standing Out Early
The Bears wrapped their first week of training camp practices with another moderate session. It offered little in the way of true evaluations beyond basic traits. But to that end, a few players did stick out in terms of noticeable plays.
Again, all of this was done at a fraction of game speed.
It is also important to note that this portion of the offseason is geared toward the offense. They are no pads and the team making a concerted effort to keep guys off of the ground.
Still, players like reserve tight end Stephen Carlson have shown what they can do when given the chance. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound veteran has made several grabs but, more significantly, has looked good as a runner after the catch. It is very reminiscent of Carlson’s fellow Princeton alum, Jesper Horsted, who was a fan favorite for his camp and preseason exploits.
Horstead spent two seasons with Chicago but was waived last May after a failed physical.
Carlson would be behind Cole Kmet and Robert Tonyan. But he does offer more experience than fellow backups Chase Allen and Jake Tonges, both of whom are entering their second seasons in the NFL.
Main Photo: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
