Kyler Gordon is the Chicago Bears’ starting nickelback, a role that was once difficult to fill properly but that has also become critical to playing defense in the modern NFL. However, things will look a little (maybe even a lot) different this year for the Bears’ rising star.
Gordon will remain a chess piece for the Bears under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, but the change from former head coach Matt Eberflus (and his DCs) means a new scheme for Gordon and his teammates. So far, so good.
For one, Allen’s defense is expected to be multiple, which plays right into Gordon’s wheelhouse.
Kyler Gordon Feeling ‘Creative’ in Bears’ Defense
Bears Capitalizing on Kyler Gordon’s Versatility
Gordon was a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and the Bears have already signed him to an extension worth up to $40 million. So, his dynamic playmaking ability is not surprising or anything new.
How Allen will use him is new, though, if only because the ex-New Orleans Saints HC is calling plays. Allen is an aggressive playcaller by nature, which will lead to more blitz opportunities.
But Allen is also willing to move Gordon around the secondary.
“I feel creative,” Gordon agreed with Clocker Sports on Friday in the locker room before practice. “I don’t have only one assignment or one position. So, being able to play any, it just allows for any opportunity.”
That opens up the possibility for some unique alignments that further hide what Gordon’s job is on any given play.
Gordon’s name could be mentioned quite often this season if he can remain on the field.
Kyler Gordon Praises New Coaching Staff
Gordon, like many of the Bears’ defensive players, cited the multiplicity that Allen’s scheme allows for when asked directly. That is most often associated with how the Bears’ front will align, with sprinkles of 5-2 mixed into their four-man looks.
It also applies to how Allen deploys his secondary.
Safeties Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard could often be seen hovering around the line of scrimmage during the summer.
“I’ll go back to what you said, as far as diversity, and not being limited in one way,” Gordon said. “Everyone kind of gets to know the system and be able to play multiple different areas of the defense. So, that’s probably what I’d say.”
Gordon also touted the contributions of defensive backs coach Al Harris.
“His player experience,” Gordon said of the former two-time Pro Bowl defensive back. “He played in the league, so he gets to talk from that perspective, and you get to shine the light on different things he sees. And then also getting to grow over his career as a coach and being a player. So, I feel like that aspect helps a lot.”
Harris spent 14 seasons in the NFL during his playing career. Notably, seven of those were with the Green Bay Packers.
Now, Harris is tasked with helping Gordon and the Bears beat his former team twice a year.
Kyler Gordon ‘Itching’ to Get to Game Day
Gordon missed the Bears’ offseason program with a soft-tissue injury that kept him off the field into training camp.
He was “super” eager to return during his recovery.
“I’ve been itching to play this whole entire time,” Gordon told Clocker Sports. “So, every day, I practice it’s like a game for me. So, just keeping that kind of mentality this whole entire time, so I’m excited.”
Gordon and the Bears will have their hands full with Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson as well as savvy veteran Adam Thielen.