Could Chicago Bears DB Tyrique Stevenson be benched after poor Week 1 performance?

The Chicago Bears are 1-0 to begin the new season, following an impressive offensive display against the Carolina Panthers.

The Bears scored 59 points in their Week 1 victory, the most in franchise history. Ben Johnson had Caleb Williams and the rest of the offense firing on all cylinders. However, on the other side of the ball, it wasn’t the same story.

Defensively, the Bears looked out of place. Bryce Young and the Panthers put up 37 of their own points and continuously burned the secondary over the top for multiple big-play touchdowns. Young threw for 361 yards, second most in his career. That itself is a major concern. Plenty of players are to blame, but most of the criticism has gone to the secondary.

A member of that group who played very poorly was Tyrique Stevenson.

Stevenson gave up a perfect passer rating (158.3) when targeted and was burnt on multiple occasions. The worst one was a deep ball to Carolina wideout Jalen Coker, who had a monster game (8 catches, 138 yards, 2 touchdowns).

This is an ugly rep for Tyrique Stevenson. Coker doesn’t do much just runs right past him. Way too easy. #DaBears #ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/aOD4E2o5kM

— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) September 13, 2026

Stevenson has had his share of ups and downs during his short tenure in Chicago. Some may say Stevenson hasn’t lived up to his draft selection, as he was taken 56th overall in the 2nd round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

He’s best known for his moment during the Bears’ 18-15 loss against the Washington Commanders in 2024, when he was taunting the opposing crowd and then promptly gave up a Hail Mary. An embarrassing moment for the entire organization.

Could Chicago Bears DB Tyrique Stevenson be benched?

The Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs was asked if he thought Stevenson could potentially be demoted, especially after the impressive play by Malik Muhammad and Cam Lewis.

“Stevenson had a rough game, and the play that really stood out was Jalen Coker’s 51-yard touchdown pass. Stevenson needed to have better coverage on that play. On the other side, Jaylon Johnson didn’t have his best game either.”

Biggs isn’t wrong; Johnson looked a little lost at times as well. This all coming against a very average (at best) Panthers offense. With that being said, you can’t freak out too quickly, and Biggs alluded to that.

“Johnson and his staff have not struck me as the kind of coaches who panic and make changes right away. The Bears are going to need Stevenson this season. They’re also going to need Johnson, Muhammad, Lewis and Woods. So, I think they make corrections with the starters, continue to find ways to get Muhammad playing time (wherever it is) and evaluate after another game or two.”

If this Bears defense is to succeed, they’re going to need help from guys like Stevenson. If he continues to look a step short, Johnson will be forced to make a move.

When Johnson was asked about Stevenson, he acknowledged the poor play, but hasn’t lost hope.

“I have not spoken individually with Jaylon or Tyrique,” Johnson said Monday afternoon. “I addressed the team earlier today and then they ended up breaking and going with their respective coaches. I’ll circle back with them on Wednesday. I talked to them after the game in the locker room. They were excited that the team won the game, but I think both of them felt like they could play better than they did. And the tape appeared that way to me.

When you consider the good QB play they will see as the season goes on, it concerns you after what happened against Bryce Young. Hopefully, guys like Kyler Gordon and Coby Bryant can return at some point down the road.

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