When Tyrique Stevenson stripped the football out of Cowboys running back Javontae Williams’ arms on the second play of the first Dallas offensive drive, it was the first time he had tried that particular method.
“That’s what’s crazy,” Stevenson told reporters on Monday. “It’s the first time I ever just was like – because I think about it all the time and we work (on the) peanut punch. I was just like, ‘I’m gonna just take it.’ I honestly was just like ‘I’m gonna take it’ and I just took it.”
And Stevenson quite literally took the football away from Williams after he gained 22 yards on the ground. The early turnover set the tone for what ended up being a four-turnover day for the Bears’ defense in the 31-14 victory over the Cowboys at Soldier Field.
Even though Stevenson's forced fumble was just the fifth play from scrimmage, the third-year cornerback realized the momentum his play had created for his team.
“I definitely felt it, and we needed that,” Stevenson said. “We came out, we had a three-and-out, definitely not what we want. For me to be able to spark the momentum, I felt that the whole team felt it. I’m glad I was able to make that play for us.”
It was a significant moment for Stevenson, especially with how the previous week ended in Detroit. The forced fumble was just the start for the Bears’ cornerback back in what ended up being an impressive bounce-back game.
Stevenson put up a stellar performance against the Cowboys
According to Pro Football Focus, Stevenson only allowed two receptions on eight targets for nine yards and also had two pass breakups. One of those passes defensed came on a third-and-eight against George Pickens, who ran a slant route. Stevenson broke on the in-breaking route and deflected the pass, which was nearly intercepted before it hit the ground.
“We was in cover-2 and just how he ran his route, like he wasn’t try push me vertical or create any type of contact,” Stevenson said. “I’m like, ‘it as to be an in-breaking route,’ and I honestly just got a good jump on it. But we was in cover-2. My job was to push him and get back to my zone. And honestly it just was a football player moment.”
If Stevenson can continue having those football player moments, he will help a Bears’ defense that is still missing some key contributors in the secondary with Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon.
Sunday's game against the Cowboys was a step in the right direction for Stevenson, and the Bears’ cornerback felt proud of the improvement he showed from one week ago.
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“It felt good because last week just showed I need to hone in on the small details and stay consistent at everything that I do as far as coming in, making sure I understand the plays, making sure I’m working on myself, making sure I’m taking care of my body, making sure I’m taking the right meds, and just making sure everything that I do on a consistent basis to lead up to the game is true – and I stay true to that process,” Stevenson said.