While the Chicago Bears' offense is getting all the attention, it's their defense that started the season as one of the best units in the NFL. They remain a solid run defense unit, ranking top five in defensive EPA per play allowed and fourth in defensive EPA per dropback allowed. One of their core players is nickelback Kyler Gordon, who is a piece of chaos in the slot. He had 33 tackles and three tackles for loss on the season, showing his growth and development into one of the top nickels in the game.
What stands out watching Gordon is that he isn't afraid to mix it up in the run game. Every time the offense wants to run to the cornerback in a duo or pin-and-pull scheme, Gordon throws his body around recklessly and makes the big play. Jacksonville has tried him multiple times in the run game and you can see his instincts on full display. On this run, he knocked the receiver to the spot and was tackled for a loss. His ability to squeeze his body and stay untouchable, while simultaneously closing flat against the line, achieved this TFL. Kylerman can do it all.
Gordon hits a blitzer from the backside, with great timing and great angles to end plays with violent intent. Gordon should always be considered in the run game. Because whenever he approaches the line of scrimmage, you can trust that he's going to make a play. It runs away from Gordon again, but the Bears know they can play from the backside like they did here, so they can tilt the defensive line to that side.
His on-screen passing game also stands out for his aggressiveness and physicality. Gordon is a bully and uses his strength of play to make terrible plays on quick games and screens. Again, he just raises hell on defense and that's pretty cool. Jacksonville tries to run Evan Engram's arrow screen in motion, but they're down 3-2 as the Bears look under pressure. This should be easy for Jacksonville, but keep an eye on Gordon on this play. He ducked under Brian Thomas Jr.'s block, forcing Engram to slow down, but the tackle still missed his stick. The Bears were short-handed on this play, but still found a way to get it done thanks to their friendly neighbor Keilerman.
Gordon and the Bears have a bye week this week, but the battle between the rookie QBs returns after a bye against Washington. For the Bears to win, Gordon and the top-notch Bears defense will have to be in the right position.
