As the Chicago Bears gear up for their NFC Divisional Round showdown against the Los Angeles Rams, one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the weekend isn’t just about Justin Fields or the pass rush-it’s what’s going on at nickel corner.
With both Kyler Gordon and C.J. Gardner-Johnson healthy and available, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has a good problem on his hands: two talented players for one high-impact role. And while Allen didn’t tip his hand much-saying simply, “They’ll both have a role”-there’s plenty to unpack about how this could play out on the field.
A Rotation That Mirrors the Outside
If you’ve been watching the Bears’ cornerback rotation this season, this situation might feel familiar. On the outside, Jaylon Johnson, Nahshon Wright, and Tyrique Stevenson have all seen time, with Johnson and Wright earning more consistent reps down the stretch. That same kind of rotation could now be in play at nickel, with Gordon likely getting the initial nod but Gardner-Johnson rotating in situationally.
And there’s logic behind that. Gordon has shown solid ability in coverage throughout the year, but his performance against the Packers in the Wild Card round left room for improvement.
Gardner-Johnson, meanwhile, brings a different flavor to the position-he’s a tone-setter in run support and a dangerous weapon as a blitzing slot corner. If the Bears want to disrupt Matthew Stafford’s rhythm early, don’t be surprised if Gardner-Johnson gets the call on key downs.
Matchups Will Dictate the Snap Count
This is where Dennis Allen’s job gets tricky. The Rams’ offense isn’t short on weapons, and how the Bears deploy their nickel personnel could be a game-by-game, even drive-by-drive decision.
If Gordon starts hot in coverage, he could stay on the field longer. But if Gardner-Johnson’s physicality and blitzing ability are causing problems for L.A.’s offense, Allen may ride the hot hand.
What’s important here is that the Bears have options-and quality ones at that. In the playoffs, where matchups are everything and one blown coverage can swing a game, having two capable nickel corners is a luxury most teams don’t have.
Depth Matters-Especially Now
With Nick McCloud likely sidelined due to injury-he hasn’t practiced all week-the Bears’ depth at corner takes a hit. But the ability to rotate Gordon and Gardner-Johnson at nickel helps cushion that blow. It also gives Chicago flexibility to adjust on the fly depending on how the Rams attack them.
Whether it’s Gordon sticking with Cooper Kupp in man coverage or Gardner-Johnson crashing down on a third-and-short blitz, the Bears have the personnel to adapt. And in a postseason environment where every possession matters, that kind of versatility could be a difference-maker.
So while it might look like a tough decision on the surface, this is the kind of problem defensive coordinators love to have. Two playmakers, one position, and a chance to mix and match based on what’s working. Keep an eye on that nickel spot early-it could tell you a lot about how the Bears plan to attack the Rams’ offense.