Mr. Versatile: Kyler Gordon embraces new challenges in Dennis Allen’s defense

Ariana Pensy · Correspondent · 4 hours ago

CHICAGO - Since getting drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2022, cornerback Kyler Gordon has started in 34 games.

Last season was his first year not recording an interception, although he was still a constant presence all over the field and received a three-year, $40 million contract extension as a result.

“I’m grateful for it. Very happy. I really don’t even think about it a lot (because) I really just think about this next season that we’re going to have. I really don’t think about it at all to be honest (because) I feel like I got to go out there and earn everything every year,” Gordon said. “So, it doesn’t really change my job, my outlook on anything. Obviously, my biggest thing is for us as a team to have success around here (because) obviously, we haven’t had that in the past and so, I think that’s my goal, everyone’s goal, to go and do that.”

In his fourth year with the Bears, Gordon is getting used to his third defensive coordinator in Dennis Allen.

Allen’s defense prioritizes physicality and aggressiveness, but it also requires players to have a lot of versatility as Allen is experimenting with various packages.

“Everyday is just learning more on the whole defense. So, I will say definitely now, it feels fun for me to know everything and everyone’s responsibility. Who’s there (and there)? Who’s helping? Who (doesn’t have) help? If I need to be able to switch to outside, free safety, strong safety, having that ability, I think it’s really fun and for me, I think it’s finding my next step in my level of my own game to be able to do anything and everything.” So, it’s just exciting,” Gordon said. “I think everyone’s catching on very easily. I don’t think it’s very tough for (anyone). Everybody’s just honing on those details. When you’re tired, making sure that you’re being intentional with your technique and assignments, stuff like that. So, I think just day-in and day-out, we’re just getting better and better everyday. So, it’s really fun to be in this defense.”

Gordon’s role in this defense certainly is mysterious. On Chicago’s first depth chart, he is listed as the Bears’ starting defensive back. Gordon indicated he could be playing in a variety of positions and the depth chart certainly seems to support that.

One of the players who has emerged during training camp thus far is cornerback Nahshon Wright. On the depth chart, he is listed as the backup for the No. 1 corner spot behind Jaylon Johnson.

Given Johnson may not be available for the first game of the season, this is an interesting development and suggests Wright may be playing in Chicago’s season opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Mon—Sept. 8 (7:15 p.m. / ABC).

“(Wright’s) just very vetted. He’s good communicator. He’s on his stuff. He got great technique. There’s really just no drop off,” Gordon said. “I think he’s been a great teammate, great player and it’s exciting to watch him play and just jump right into the system. He’s on everything, another smart player that knows how to do everything. So, it’s easy to play with him, talk to him.”

Another offseason addition that stands out on the depth chart is defensive lineman Grady Jarrett. Jarrett is going into his eleventh season and is known for his energy and trash talking.

That is certainly something he has brought to Chicago and should be bringing to the Bears’ game against Minnesota given Jarrett is listed as the No. 1 defensive tackle.

“Energy. (Jarrett’s) loud every single time. He’s in (year) 11. He’s hustling the ball. You watch all the film, he’s one of the first guys running,” Gordon said. “His motor hasn’t stopped and I think it’s just motivating to see that he practices everything he preaches and to have a vet come in and lead the way like that and show by example, not only words, is just motivating to everybody.”