With 2 interceptions, Chicago Bears rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was named the NFC defensive player of the week

After Tyrique Stevenson intercepted Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco on Dec. 17, the Chicago Bears cornerback returned to his locker to find “like 30 missed calls” from his mom, some accompanied by messages of her yelling into her phone with excitement.

When the rookie came up with two interceptions in a game for the first time Sunday in the 37-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field, his mom sent him a video she made.

“She was talking about, ‘Two interceptions, whoop, whoop!’” Stevenson said. “I’m like, ‘C’mon mom.’”

He hadn’t looked at his phone yet after practice Wednesday at Halas Hall, but he expected to find another excited response, this one for becoming the first Bears player to win NFC defensive player of the week since Eddie Jackson in 2018.

Stevenson was given the award for his performance against the Falcons, in which he also had five tackles and four passes defended to go with his two picks.

There has been a lot to like recently from the Bears’ second-round pick out of Miami. All four of Stevenson’s interceptions this season have come in his last five games. While navigating typical rookie highs and lows in 15 games this season, he has totaled 79 tackles, 15 passes defended and a forced fumble. He missed the Nov. 27 Minnesota Vikings game with an ankle injury.

“I just really settled down in my game,” Stevenson said. “Just going out there understanding that I’m meant to be here. … Just understanding that I’m on the field for a reason and when I go out there just play my game and know that the game is going to come to me.”

Sunday was Stevenson’s best-graded game of the season, according to Pro Football Focus. He allowed two catches on six targets for 28 yards against the Falcons and held quarterbacks to a 9.7 passer rating when targeting him in single coverage, according to PFF.

In the third quarter, Stevenson leaped up to grab Taylor Heinicke’s pass intended for tight end Jonnu Smith for his third interception of the season.

“It was Cover 2. Just studying a little Jaylon Johnson film,” Stevenson said of his teammate. “Showing short, but make sure we’re able to get back. Just kept my hips open. Know I had my responsibility low, but also know I have to help the safety high. He put the ball in harm’s way, and I’m going to go get it every time.”

A quarter later, Stevenson had his fourth interception when defensive tackle Zacch Pickens swatted at the hand of backup quarterback Desmond Ridder. The pass floated in front of wide receiver Drake London, and Stevenson pulled in the football while falling to his knees.

Stevenson credited Bears quarterbacks Justin Fields, Tyson Bagent and Nathan Peterman for helping him work on catching the ball when it comes his way.

“Just after practice always going over there and just constantly working on gripping the ball, tracking the ball in and using my eyes to make sure that I can pull the ball in,” Stevenson said. “Just shout out to them.”

Stevenson’s recent production has been part of an encouraging year for the Bears cornerbacks group, which has seen growth at different levels from a more veteran player like Jaylon Johnson to second-year nickel Kyler Gordon to rookies Stevenson and Terell Smith. Gordon also had a pick Sunday as the Bears climbed to a league-leading 22 interceptions this season.

Safety Jaquan Brisker said Stevenson is “getting better every week.”

“(Cornerbacks coach Jon) Hoke, he’s been on him, but he’s been taking it like a vet,” Brisker said. “It shows a lot to his character and how dialed in he has been. So just huge steps from him.”

Stevenson said Bears coach Matt Eberflus announced the award after practice in front of his teammates, who shouted, “There you go, rook!” Stevenson said he thanked the defensive line in his speech.

When Eberflus was asked what he likes about Stevenson, he said the cornerback is an aggressive player who tackles well.

“He’s lean, he’s long, he’s got good lean mass so he can really tackle well,” Eberflus said. “He can tackle big backs. He knocks them back. And then the length in the pass game. When you’re covering deep routes and side pocket throws, that length matters. … I love his attitude, and I love his demeanor that he brings to the game every week.”

Injury report

Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson missed practice Wednesday as he recovers from a shoulder injury he suffered against the Falcons. Tight end Cole Kmet (knee), wide receiver Darnell Mooney (concussion), long snapper Patrick Scales (foot) and quarterback Tyson Bagent (illness) also missed practice.

Wide receiver DJ Moore was limited with an ankle injury.