Chicago Bears Training Camp: Kyler Gordon living up to ‘Spider-Man’ nickname

Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon had an encouraging rookie season in 2022, but expectations are higher this year for the former second-round pick.

Like most rookie cornerbacks, Gordon’s first season was a mixed bag of highlights and mental lapses, but with three practices in the books at 2023 training camp, the arrow is pointing up for the former Washington Husky in Year 2.

“The guys have nicknamed him Spider-Man,” defensive coordinator Alan Williams said. “He’s so quick. He’s so agile. He’s instinctive. He’s got spidey senses.”

Gordon started 14 games as a rookie in 2022 and finished the season with 71 tackles and three interceptions. His game is predicated on quick-twitch reaction skills and a superhuman-like ability to leap and contort his body in the air.

So, yeah, Spiderman seems like a fitting nickname.

He must bring that Avenger skill set to the field in 2023. The Chicago Bears pass rush is a weakness on defense right now, which will put more pressure on defensive backs like Gordon to stay in coverage longer. No longer a rookie, Gordon will be leaned on by first-year players Tyrique Stevenson and Terrell Smith, who should get significant reps this year.

Stevenson, the Bears’ 2023 second-round pick, is expected to start opposite Jaylon Johnson at outside corner. He was a first-teamer throughout the offseason and the first two days of training camp but was replaced by Smith, a fifth-round pick, Thursday.

Williams warned not to read too much into the lineup change, suggesting instead that it’s more about reps at this point in the practice schedule. Still, it’s worth monitoring, especially if Smith continues getting “reps” with the first team.