The nature of this column is to discuss direct one-on-one matchups – players who are on the field at the same time. In another twist, previewing Caleb vs. Jayden would be a lot of fun (and would fan flames on my open thread question from earlier this week).
But that is against my own rules. Rules that I cannot go back on now, no matter how tempting. However, there is another highly intriguing matchup that benefits from a year-long narrative, and that is the Hail (Fail?) Mary.
I’ll save you from having
to relive the play again – but it’s pretty remarkable what that play did for both the Bears and Commanders seasons, but even more specifically to the trajectory of Jayden Daniels’ and Tyrique Stevenson’s seasons.
Jayden Daniels went on to win 6 of his final 9 regular season games, as well as 2 playoff games, and eventually the Rookie of the Year.
Tyrique Stevenson, who had an INT, 5 PDs, a DEF TD, 1 TD allowed and a passer rating given up of 79.5 in the 5 games prior to the Commanders game and an INT, 7 PDs, 3 TDs allowed, and a passer rating given up of 92.8 in 11 games from the Commanders game onward.
So their trajectories shifted dramatically after that play. And why wouldn’t they? A player who has lifted up a franchise has a signature play to propel them towards their best season in years, while the other has a boneheaded play that results in a devastating losing streak and questions about engagement.
So these two are my One on One Matchup of Week 6
Jayden Daniels vs Tyrique Stevenson
The Commanders are going to rely heavily on their league-best running game, especially considering the Bears’ run defense has been bad to start the season.
But I do think that Jayden Daniels is still going to be featured more this week than he was in his first start since coming back from a knee injury. The assumption is that with each passing week, his mobility will continue to improve, so we should expect more than 8 rushing attempts for 39 yards for the athletic QB.
That’s the first place where Stevenson needs to make an impact is through his open field tackling. An underrated part of Stevenson’s game is his above average ability to tackle as a CB. Considering it will be likely that Daniels will get to the second level at least once, considering he averaged 6 yards per rush during the 2024 season and is nearly at 5 yards during the 2025 season. Stevenson’s willingness to tackle will be huge in being able to bottle up Daniels.
Additionally, Stevenson’s ball skills will be massive when Daniels throws further downfield. Early in his third season, Stevenson has been mercurial at times when giving up big plays (see above) but also making big plays (see below):
Through his young career, Stevenson’s calling card has been making big plays, as evidenced by his 7 INTs, 4 FFs, 2 FRs, 33 PDs, and 1 TD. If the Bears are going to win, he’s going to have to make a big play on the ball when Daniels goes for a big shot. That will be difficult as Daniels has been squeaky clean with protecting the ball three games into his 2025 season. But as Stevenson’s interception against the Raiders and his forced fumble against the Cowboys indicate, he can make plays where they don’t exist.
It looks like Terry McLaurin might not play on Monday night, which takes away a major part of the Washington passing attack – but keeping up with savvy vets like Deebo Samuel and Zach Ertz will be important over the middle of the field.
No matter what, this matchup is going to be highlighted over and over again on Monday night. Let’s just hope that Stevenson gets the last laugh this time.
