The Chicago Bears’ secondary was primed to be one of the top strengths of the team heading into the 2025 NFL season.
However, injuries to Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon have significantly impacted the unit through the first four games, and the loss of two key starters has resulted in inconsistent play.
In the 52-21 blowout loss to the Detroit Lions, the secondary was tormented by Jared Goff. Tyrique Stevenson and Kevin Byard had one of their worst games of their careers. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Stevenson finished with a 37.3 coverage grade, and Byard ended with a 26.5 coverage grade.
It was a performance that both players needed to rebound from to move forward.
And two weeks later, that’s precisely what happened. After the 25-24 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Stevenson and Byard finished with PFF’s highest coverage grade in the NFL in Week 4. Byard at 94.4 and Stevenson with 92.7
Bears DBs locked it down in Week 4 🔒 pic.twitter.com/7SwI91Q3VG
— PFF (@PFF) September 30, 2025
Byard intercepted Raiders quarterback Geno Smith twice and allowed just two receptions on three targets for 16 yards. Stevenson allowed just one catch on four targets for seven yards and recovered a fumble.
Chicago needs more performances like that from Byard and Stevenson
The two Bears’ defensive backs showed just how impactful they could be when executing at their best. The soonest Johnson could return to the field after being placed on injured reserve is the Week 8 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, and that is not a guarantee.
Gordon could likely return for the Week 6 game against the Washington Commanders, but Stevenson and Byard need to continue their high-level play regardless of who is in or out of the starting lineup.
The Bears’ pass rush has hurt this football team, so the secondary needs to step up until the front four can find some consistency.
Read more: Ben Johnson must find ways to get more from his disappointing tight ends
The performances from Stevenson and Byard against the Raiders demonstrated the dominance of the two players. Those two will need to find ways to replicate that type of play as the season continues.