The rise of the Bears secondary better explains how their defense went from 29th overall to 12th in the league in one season.Either way, their cornerbacks played primary roles in this improvement. If it had been the safeties, Eddie Jackson might still be with the team.
Stevenson's final seven games made a huge difference in any of his success. Sportradar had him at 20 completions allowed in 49 targets for 40.8%. In the first nine games he had allowed he final seven games after he allowed 47 completions in 47 targets for a 70.1% completion rate.It was also during those final seven games when Stevenson had four interceptions to tie for the team lead.
"A big part of Jaylon Johnson's breakout year was his ability to limit receivers getting a step of separation on him," Wyman wrote. "Johnson allowed a 40% completion rate when allowing a step in coverage, which tied with Stingley for best on this list."With two cornerbacks playing at this level, it's going to make it easier for the defense to get off to the fast start they couldn't achieve last year.