In the midst of a challenging season, the Chicago Bears are counting on backup cornerback Nahshon Wright to step up. With injuries sidelining three of their top four cornerbacks, including Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, Wright faces a pivotal test against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Bears Cornerback Situation
Wright’s opportunity comes as he has been thrust into a starting role due to injuries sustained during training camp and the regular season. Upcoming news indicated that both Johnson and Gordon will remain on injured reserve (IR) for at least the Week 12 showdown against the Steelers. However, hopes are high for their return in Week 13 when the Bears face the Philadelphia Eagles.
Nahshon Wright’s Performance
This season, Nahshon Wright has started nine out of ten games alongside fellow cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. His performance metrics are noteworthy:
- Tackles: 43
- Tackles for Loss: 3
- Quarterback Hits: 1
- Pass Deflections: 8
- Fumble Recoveries: 2
- Interceptions: 4
- Pick-Sixes: 1
Wright’s four interceptions tie him for second in the NFL this season, just behind his teammate Kevin Byard III, who leads with five. His skills have notably shone through clutch plays, particularly a pick-six against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1. Furthermore, he secured another interception during a critical Week 11 match against the same team.
Room for Improvement
Despite his impressive statistics, Pro Football Focus has awarded Wright a grade of 52.5, placing him 89th out of 109 cornerbacks. This low grade reflects challenges he has faced, such as allowing 13.7 yards per reception and missing five tackles throughout the season.
Importance of the Steelers Game
As the Bears prepare to take on the Steelers, this game holds significant implications for Wright’s career. A strong performance could solidify his role on the team, at least in a rotational capacity. Alternatively, it might attract interest from other teams in the off-season.
The upcoming match against the Steelers is crucial for Wright as he seeks to secure his position with the Bears moving forward.
