Rookie cornerback Kyler Gordon is having a rough start to his Chicago Bears career.
According to Pro Football Focus, Gordon has been targeted 24 times over the first three games. He’s surrendered 19 catches for 326 yards and two touchdowns and an opposing passer rating of 146.5.
No matter how you slice it, that’s terrible. But it isn’t uncommon for rookie cornerbacks to struggle with the transition from college to the pros, and coach Matt Eberflus is taking additional steps to make sure his second-round pick doesn’t lose confidence in his game.
“Just to help, to be of service to him,” Eberflus said Monday. “To make sure that he understands I know where he is, I know where he is going and to help him with the experiences. That’s all. Because I have a lot of experience coaching DBs. I’m just trying to help.”
Gordon joined the Bears as a surprise selection by general manager Ryan Poles. Most NFL Draft analysts pegged Chicago’s first second-round pick as a lock for a wide receiver, but Poles had other plans. Now, with the Bears’ passing game struggling as bad as it is, Gordon’s poor play has been magnified.
“You always have got to look at that, especially when you’re working with a rookie, a guy that’s been in there and it’s the first time,” Eberflus said. “But he’s shown that he can do it. His techniques are good. In terms of knowing his assignments are good, inside and outside, so we’re pleased with where he is relative to that.”
Kyler Gordon will have a chance at a breakout game against the Giants and their turnover-prone quarterback, Daniel Jones, in Week 4. New York’s wide receivers are an underwhelming group, which should allow Gordon to shake some of his early-season rust.
