Chicago Bears players poised for a breakout year in 2024

Kyler Gordon’s time is coming. My spidey senses are tingling. The third-year cornerback has ended both his 2022 and 2023 seasons on a high note after lackluster first halves. In his rookie season, Gordon was torched by numerous receivers before finding his groove. In 2023, he missed a good chunk of the season early on due to a broken hand and needed time to get re-acclimated. Even with his injuries, though, Gordon improved last year when it came to his pass defense. His opposing passer rating allowed dropped from 101.9 to 93.9, and his air yards allowed fell from 418 to just 183. While he was targeted 20 fewer times compared to his rookie season, Gordon still notched two interceptions and six pass breakups.

Gordon has proven he can play the run well and be a threat to blitz from the nickel position. He’s already one of the best at his position when it comes to sniffing out short passes and sweeps. If his pass defense continues to improve, he’s going to put himself on the map when it comes to the best slot corners in the league. The continuity he has in the secondary with Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson playing next to him, along with the addition of Kevin Byard behind him, should help tremendously. This is finally the year Gordon realizes his true potential.