Malik Muhammad's stellar play is forcing Bears into decision on veteran CBs

This Chicago Bears defense hasn't been great so far, but it's been a joy to watch rookie cornerback Malik Muhammad exceed expectations and put poor-performing veterans on notice.

Muhammad has had two straight games to start the year where he has played better than any corner on the Bears. This season, he has posted six tackles, two pass deflections, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit, one sack, and one interception in two games.

He's been as good as advertised for the Bears and is making the veterans look really bad, to the point that Muhammad has to start and force one of them out of the lineup or off the team altogether.

Bears might have to find a way for Malik Muhammad to play no matter who gets benched

Muhammad has put up strong numbers with his interceptions and sacks through two games; the first time a Bears rookie has had sacks and interceptions like that. His coverage skills have been impressive, allowing five receptions and a passer rating of 27.5.

Pro Football Focus also rates the rookie highly, grading him 63.1 overall and ranking him 42nd out of 96 corners. He has a coverage grade of 64.8, ranking 38th, and a run-defense grade of 46.9, ranking 79th. Muhammad is also fifth in the NFL in passer rating allowed with at least 30 snaps.

Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has asked a lot of his rookie cornerback, and he has answered every time. Muhammad can help in coverage, but his support in pressuring the quarterback has made him a better fit at nickel.

Who is the odd man out in Bears' secondary?

It really comes down to three cornerbacks who are all on the chopping block at this point. The Bears have Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Tyrique Stevenson.

Gordon has just been posting videos of himself working out, so he has not done much this season. He is still recovering from his soft-tissue injury that has kept him off the field for almost a year now.

Johnson and Stevenson are posting passer rating targeted that are over 100. Both guys have struggled to get anything going and have been prone to allowing big plays down the field.

The Bears have a tough decision, as they will most likely keep Johnson on the field first. He is a two-time Pro Bowler and there is hope that he can turn things around.

It comes down to Gordon and Stevenson. Gordon is injured, so not much can be done right now with him, while Stevenson is in the final year of his contract.

Read more: Evidence directly contradicts Ben Johnson's praise of Bears' Garrett Bradbury

For this season, Muhammad could replace Gordon until he figures out his injury situation, but after 2026, everything is off the table for Stevenson. The Bears could move on from Stevenson and roll with Muhammad as CB2. Regardless, Muhammad has a promising career in Chicago over the next few years that could make him a great corner.

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