logo
Bears DC Dennis Allen says second cornerback spot 'completely up for grabs'

Bears DC Dennis Allen says second cornerback spot 'completely up for grabs'

USA Today6 days ago
The Chicago Bears have several position battles brewing during training camp, and including a prominent role opposite Pro Bowler Jaylon Johnson. Coming into training camp, the belief was third-year pro Tyrique Stevenson was the consensus lock for the CB2 job. However, that might not be as automatic as some folks originally thought.
Following Wednesday's training camp practice, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was asked about the competition for that second cornerback spot -- and it sounds like we have a battle brewing.
"I think it's completely up for grabs," Allen said of that CB2 spot, noting that competition is how they're going to develop the best defense and he likes to "let the tape make the decision."
Allen preached the importance of competition to bring out the best, and that's certainly been true of Nashon Wright, who's worked primarily with the starting defense with Johnson sidelined with a leg injury suffered ahead of training camp.
According to Herb Howard, Wright has "performed well with the (starters)" in Johnson's absence, and he believes that Stevenson and Wright are indeed in a "tight battle" for that second cornerback job.
There's plenty more training camp practices, joint practices, and preseason games to help with this decision, but the option is on the table. Internal competition brings out the best in everyone.
As everyone came to find out last season on the national stage, Stevenson had some maturity issues to deal with during the season. His biggest blunder came when he wasn't paying attention to the play in favor of barking at fans on the Hail Mary conversion by the Washington Commanders.
Since then, Stevenson has been working on being a better football player, but that doesn't guarantee him anything. If he wants starter reps in 2025, he's going to have to beat Wright out in a competition for that No. 2 spot.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Highlights from Day 12 of Bears training camp
Highlights from Day 12 of Bears training camp

Yahoo

time28 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Highlights from Day 12 of Bears training camp

The Chicago Bears were back at Halas Hall for their 12th practice of training camp, where there were plenty of notable observations and highlights from Tuesday's padded session. The Bears had their most physical practice in two decades, according to Brad Biggs, and boy was it a doozy. There were several skirmishes that broke out during practice with guys getting "tossed, pushed, shoved and taken to the ground," per Alex Shapiro. It's clear they're eager to practice against another group at this point, so it's a good thing the Miami Dolphins are coming to Halas Hall on Friday. With media in attendance, there were some quick highlights from this padded practice. This post will be updated as more videos appear Highlights from 12th practice of Bears training camp This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears training camp: Highlights from Day 12

Former NFL QB Sounds off on Commanders in Fiery Rant
Former NFL QB Sounds off on Commanders in Fiery Rant

Newsweek

time31 minutes ago

  • Newsweek

Former NFL QB Sounds off on Commanders in Fiery Rant

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. With the start of the 2025 season just around the corner, the Washington Commanders remain caught up in one of the biggest off-field storylines in the NFL. As extension talks with Terry McLaurin continue to drag on, one former player did not hold back when giving his thoughts on the organization. Prior to the arrival of quarterback Jayden Daniels, McLaurin was the foundational piece of the Commanders' offense. He's arguably been one of the league's most consistent wide receivers, stacking up five straight seasons of at least 1,000 yards. McLaurin has been eager to secure a new deal with the Commanders this offseason, but the two sides have failed to work out an agreement. This led to the veteran wideout putting in a trade request last week, but Washington made it clear they have no plans of honoring it. Also read: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Called to Action Over Terry McLaurin Wide receiver Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders gets set during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, at Northwest Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders gets set during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, at Northwest Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. Photo by/Getty Images Dan Orlovsky goes on fiery rant about the Washington Commanders During Monday's episode of First Take on ESPN, Dan Orlovsky weighed in on the Commanders as things with McLaurin remain unresolved. He sounded off on the organization, labeling it one of the most head-scratching situations of the offseason. "You can't trade him. This is one of the dumbest things that has been apart of the NFL this offseason. It's one of the most maddening situations that I have been watching this NFL offseason, it ain't that hard," Orlovsky said. "Respectfully, Washington you were a dumpster fire for years. You were a laughing stock. The only thing good about your organization was that young you don't have him, you erase everything that you did that last year." "Respectfully Washington, you were a dumpster fire for years. ... The only thing good about your organization was [Terry McLaurin]." —@danorlovsky7 on McLaurin's contract negotiations being "one of the dumbest" NFL offseason situations 😅 — First Take (@FirstTake) August 4, 2025 There is no denying that McLaurin was a driving force in the Commanders' success last year, racking up a career-high 13 touchdowns. As a viable deep threat capable of breaking off a big play at any moment, he certainly made life easier for Daniels as a rookie trying to find his footing in the NFL. Also read: New Developments Echo Unlikeliness Of a Terry McLaurin Trade Coming off a season where they nearly reached the Super Bowl, the Commanders are eager to remain in the hunt for a title. However, they won't be able to do that if they don't have an engaged and focused McLaurin. Seeing that the Commanders are entertaining trades, it remains a mystery when the front office and McLaurin will work out a deal and put this dragged-out saga behind them. For more Washington Commanders and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.

Ben Johnson says 'to be determined' whether Bears starters play vs. Dolphins
Ben Johnson says 'to be determined' whether Bears starters play vs. Dolphins

Yahoo

time3 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Ben Johnson says 'to be determined' whether Bears starters play vs. Dolphins

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for their preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, which will serve as Ben Johnson's first game as a head coach -- even if it is just an exhibition game. Ahead of Tuesday's padded practice, Johnson told reporters that it's "to be determined" whether starters will play and for how long. Johnson said he needs to meet with his staff and talk with Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel to determine that. The Bears will host the Dolphins for a joint practice on Friday at Halas Hall, which will serve as a game-simulated session between both teams. Johnson stressed the importance of reps -- especially in these joint practices and preseason games -- and it doesn't necessarily have to be in the preseason game itself. Those joint practice reps are just as, if not more, valuable. With the Bears employing a new offense and defense, the expectation is the starters, including quarterback Caleb Williams, will see some action, even if it's just one series. Johnson said Tuesday is the last install for the offense and defense, where he practiced a "nice, physical" practice with an emphasis on goal-line and short-yardage situations. This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC Ben Johnson: 'To be determined' if starters play vs. Dolphins

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store