It's always a risk starting a rookie cornerback out of the gate in Week 1, something the Chicago Bears have plenty of experience with over the last few years. And we've seen those players get baptized by fire, losing their matchup consistently and getting burned to start their careers. Malik Muhammad is the latest rookie to get his number called as the starting nickel cornerback, but where others faltered, he succeeded in his debut.
The Bears pounced on the Carolina Panthers to open up their 2026 season, winning 59-37 in a barnburner of a game in Charlotte. Offense was the big story for both teams, but defense is getting the microscope after allowing 37 points to quarterback Bryce Young and the Carolina offense.
There was a lot of blame to go
around, but a few players stood out among the mess—particularly Muhammad, who started in place of the injured Kyler Gordon. Muhammad managed three total tackles, two passes defensed, and an interception, which came on a diving play near the end of the first half.
At first glance, it appeared Muhammad played extremely well in his debut, and the stats back that up. According to Pro Football Reference, Muhammad was targeted nine times and only allowed four completions for a total of 67 yards (16.8 per completion) and no touchdowns. His opposing passer rating allowed was just 39.8, the second-lowest among defensive backs in Week 1, according to Chris Cooper.
Lowest passer rating allowed among DBs in week one (min 5 targets)
— Chris Cooper (@ChrisCooper_NFL) September 15, 2026
1. Nehemiah Pritchett (SEA) - 33.3
2. Malik Muhammad (CHI) - 39.8
3. Keisean Nixon (GB) - 41.7
4. Isaiah Rodgers (MIN) - 42.4
5. Quentin Lake (LAR) - 43.3
Though it wasn't the jaw-dropping performance that will win Muhammad an NFC Defensive Player of the Week award, it was one that should instill confidence in the defensive staff. After all, we've seen much worse outings for prominent rookie cornerbacks in recent years. Including two players currently on the team.
Gordon (when healthy) and Stevenson are two prime defensive backs who struggled early on in their careers before finding some sense of dependability. Gordon's allowed a big completion in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers before getting torched by Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in Week 2, allowing 154 yards on eight receptions.
Stevenson didn't fare much better. He allowed a score in his opening game against the Packers and got picked on by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Mike Evans specifically in Week 2, allowing 140 yards and a touchdown using data from Player Profiler. Muhammad is already off to a better start than both players when it comes to pass defense, though next week presents a major test.
The Minnesota Vikings come to town, and wide receiver Justin Jefferson is as dangerous as ever. Minnesota will undoubtedly try and create mismatches to get him and their top weapons the ball, which could mean picking on Muhammad now that they have some tape on him. Things can change from week to week, but so far, the fourth-round pick out of Texas has already gotten off to a better start than those who came before him in recent years.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Malik Muhammad is bucking a trend when it comes to young Bears CBs
