Bears’ Kyler Gordon Sheds Light on Web-Slinging Nickname

Around Halas Hall, Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon earned the nickname “Kyler-Man”. It is an homage to your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man and in honor of Gordon’s playmaking skills.

“I feel like it’s similar to how I play,” Gordon said after Saturday’s practice. “Aggressive. I just like using my instincts, my abilities, and stuff like that. Especially in the nickel position where I’m at, as far as reading run, pass. Just trying to find a way to the ball and being around the ball.”

Kyler Gordon Brings ‘Spidey Senses’ to Bears’ Defense

Gordon, 23, was the second of two second-round picks by the Bears in the 2022 NFL Draft – along with safety Jaquan Brisker – taken No. 39 overall out of the University of Washington. He finished second on the team with three interceptions which were tied for the fourth-most among all rookies last season, per Stathead.

He also added one forced fumble and one recovery on top of six pass deflections.

Gordon was picked on by opposing quarterbacks, as most rookies are. He led the Bears with 82 targets on the season, and he allowed a 76.8% completion rate.

But Gordon was one of 18 defenders to make at least 70 stops while still boasting a missed tackle rate (2.7%) below 3.0% last season. Only seven of them played in the secondary. And just two besides Gordon played primarily at cornerback or in the slot.

Bears’ Kyler Gordon Turning Aggression Into Plays

Gordon’s aggression got the best of him at times last season, leading to the second-most penalties on the team behind left tackle Braxton Jones. Defensive coordinator Alan Williams noted that Gordon is playing off instinct rather than thinking, though, which should mean we can expect those things to trend in a positive direction this coming season.

They are letting him focus on being inside this offseason which he accepts for the greater good.

But that is significant because he was only switched there during training camp last year leaving him to learn a lot in a short time.

His instincts, or Kyler Senses as it were, should be even sharper with the benefit of muscle and actual memory through the reps he got last season. A baptism by fire can quickly show if a player isn’t cut out for the spotlight.