It was supposed to be veteran Coby Bryant and rookie Dillon Thieneman in the backfield as the Chicago Bears’ starting safeties this season. However, after Bryant’s injury that is going to keep him out for the regular season, Thieneman is now the Bears’ top safety.
In his first two games of his NFL career, Thieneman has done well with 17 total tackles including 11 solo tackles as well as a quarterback hit. He also performed well in coverage as well, only allowing three completions for 46 yards despite being targeted eight times. Chicago has also used him minimally in pass rush with two blitzes in the season opener including one quarterback hit.
Against the Philadelphia Eagles in his first prime-time game in the NFL, Thieneman hit another milestone
- recording his first interception. The pick came on third and goal for the Eagles with backup quarterback and former Bears’ signal caller, Andy Dalton, in the game after Jalen Hurts had to be briefly evaluated for a concussion. Chicago was able to turn that into a field goal to take a 10-0 lead in the second quarter.
Bryant took to social media to share his reaction to Thieneman’s interception, saying it will be the "first of many” in his NFL career.
Young Dillion!! Let’s go!!!!!! First of many
— Coby Bryant (@_CobyBryant_) September 29, 2026
Bryant is a ball-hog in his own right with seven interceptions over the past two years. Once he returns from injury -- be it later this season or next --he will be looking to get his first pick as a member of the Bears.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Coby Bryant reacts to Bears rookie Dillon Thieneman’s first INT
