The Chicago Bears may be heading into training camp with a real problem on their hands, and it starts with one name: Kyler Gordon.
At this point, Gordon’s health is more than a simple concern. The soft tissue issues have lingered, and the Bears have to prepare for the possibility that their star nickel corner either can’t get on the field or won’t look like the same player when he does. That’s the kind of uncertainty that can turn camp into a headache fast.
That’s where Cam Lewis enters the picture.
Chicago brought in the former Buffalo Bills defensive back in free agency, and his first camp with the Bears could come with a much bigger role than he originally expected. If Gordon remains unavailable, Lewis might be asked to step into a spot the Bears clearly need covered.
Lewis spent his entire six-year career in Buffalo before landing in Chicago, and one Bills source believes the Bears may have found a useful piece. FanSided’s Bills expert Brandon Ray described Lewis this way when asked about his strengths and whether he could fill in for Gordon:
"I think he could be, but I view him more as a true safety. However, he does have the versatility to be in the slot so I would say yes, but lightly ...
Depending on the scheme that Chicago runs, that's where it could be a difference-maker. He's only known a 4-2-5 under Sean McDermott and he was more of a zone type of guy.
If he's used in that role, he should do just fine."
That fits with Dennis Allen’s approach, which blends zone and man coverage. If Lewis is on the field, there should be opportunities for him to work in zone looks, where he has experience and comfort.
Ray also gave Lewis a strong overall endorsement:
"Cam Lewis was an extremely underrated player for the Bills because of his versatility, whether it was at safety or in the slot. Personally, I think Chicago got themselves a hidden gem if he is used correctly."
There is one concern to keep in mind. Ray pointed to a slower first step as a possible weakness. Even so, Lewis has been steady in coverage, and the numbers back that up.
Over his career, Gordon has allowed eight touchdowns on 209 targets, which comes out to 3.82 percent. Lewis has allowed three touchdowns on 128 targets, or 2.34 percent. Last season, Lewis gave up an opposing quarterback rating of 82.5 and posted a career-best 5.6 yards per target, minimum 15 targets.
Gordon’s career numbers are less reassuring in that area. He has allowed 8.3 yards per target and an opposing quarterback rating of 103.3.
For Bears fans looking for a little peace of mind, Lewis may be the closest thing to insurance the team has right now if the Gordon situation keeps trending in the wrong direction.
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