Bears second-year cornerback was bestowed with another top honor following his performance in Week 1 vs Titans

For the second time in his young career, Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson has been recognized as a top defensive player in the league.

After his Week 1 performance against the Tennessee Titans, Stevenson was recognized as the NFC's Defensive Player of the Week. This is the second time Stevenson has been bestowed with the honor after first winning it following Week 17 in 2023 .

Stevenson's had one of the biggest plays of the game on Sunday after jumping a desperate attempt of a pass by Titans quarterback Will Levis. Stevenson returned the ball 43-yards for a touchdown to give the Bears their first lead of the game.

"The goal was to go out there and hold them to a third-and-long, get off the field and give the ball back to Caleb [Williams]," Stevenson said after the game. "[Will Levis] pitched it up, he made a mistake, and we just capitalized off it. I'm glad I gave this team the energy we needed to finish the game."

On top of the interception returned for a touchdown, Stevenson also recorded two pass deflections and four total tackles. Fellow outside cornerback Jaylon Johnson came away with a late fourth quarter interception as well to close out the game .

Stevenson and Johnson's strong opening to the season is just the beginning for what these two are prepared to do in 2024. After practicing all summer against the Bears talent trio of wide receivers, Stevenson believes he's capable of defending against anyone he lines up against this season.

"I’m 'Him,' pretty much," Stevenson said in August. "I can cover pretty much any receiver in the league. All I’ve got to do is stay working hard, stay consistent and just lock in on myself."

It's a strong claim to make for a player that just kicked off his second season with the Bears, but his high confidence has already started to pay off on the field and his coaches continue to watch him turn into a star.

"He loves competition, he's very competitive, and he's a very physical corner. He loves to compete," head coach Matt Eberflus said on Wednesday. "You can see how fiery he is out on the field. He just welcomes that. It gives him joy to be able to go out there and compete, and you can see that every day. That's why he's here. He's a guy that loves football, and to me, it's just an honor to be able to coach and work with him."

Related: As promised, Bears standout cornerback Jaylon Johnson picks up right where he left off to start the 2024 season