Seema Khaneja MD
Updated on: October 13, 2024 7:48 am GMT
In just two games of the 2024 NFL season, Gervon Dexter Sr. has transformed from an unpolished rookie into a rising star for the Chicago Bears. With two sacks already this year—almost matching his entire rookie season total—Dexter is on track to be a key player in the Bears’ defensive lineup. His impressive performance has not only caught the attention of fans but also raised expectations for his continued growth.
Building on Potential
Dexter, a 2023 second-round draft pick out of Florida, has always had potential. Last season, he recorded 2.5 sacks and 12 quarterback hits over 432 snaps. However, his performance was overshadowed by concerns about his consistency and run defense. This year, he appears ready to change the narrative.
- Increased Play Time: Dexter has played 68% of defensive snaps this season, up from 40% last year.
- Edge Rushing: He has been utilized more as an edge rusher, taking 34% of his snaps from that position compared to just 18% last season. This strategic shift allows the Bears to diversify their defensive approach.
“Gervon is a changed man,” said Bears safety Jaquan Brisker. “You can really see how hard he worked during the offseason to get into better shape.”
Transitioning into Leadership
One of the most striking aspects of Dexter’s evolution is his emerging leadership on the field. Defensive line coach Travis Smith noted his increased confidence and pride in his play.
“He’s taking over a leadership role—not just through words, but by the way he plays,” Smith explained. “He’s not just competing with his teammates; he’s looking at the competition around the league.”
Dexter wants to prove himself, particularly in light of being overlooked by some teams during the draft. His focus is on rising to the challenge and setting a standard for how the position should be played.
Learning from the Best
The Bears have high hopes for Dexter, especially as they look to fill the void left by DeForest Buckner, a former All-Pro and key player during Coach Matt Eberflus’s tenure with the Indianapolis Colts. Buckner’s absence has posed a challenge for the Bears, but it has also opened the door for Dexter to step up. During his time in Indianapolis, Buckner recorded 9.5 sacks in one season and helped the team improve defensively.
Dexter appears to be embracing that kind of impact player role. His performance against the Texans last Sunday demonstrated his potential. He sacked quarterback C.J. Stroud, showcasing his speed and agility.
- Giants of the Game: Dexter is compared to other top defensive tackles like Jalen Carter and Calijah Kancey, both of whom were drafted higher in 2023.
“Dexter sees those guys and wants to show he can compete with them,” Smith said. “He wants to make a name for himself and change the narrative that he’s just a read-and-react type of player.”
Improving on Run Defense
Another area where Dexter has shown significant improvement is in run defense. His Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade improved from 36.2 last season to 62 over the course of two games this year. This is a crucial development, as sturdiness in the middle of the defensive line is essential for a well-rounded defense.
- Defensive Snap Distribution: Last year, he played just 30% of snaps against the run, but he has increased that number to 34% this season. This uptick indicates the coaching staff’s confidence in his ability to hold his ground and contribute in crucial situations.
Looking Ahead
With an impressive start to the season, the question now is whether Gervon Dexter can maintain this level of performance. The Bears’ coaching staff and fans alike are hopeful that he can continue to build on the momentum he’s created. As he embraces his role and evolves into a player who can impact games on both the edge and in the middle, the Bears may have finally found their “engine” in Dexter.
Coach Eberflus expressed optimism about Dexter’s future: “He’s putting the work in and it’s translating on the field. We’re excited to see where he goes from here.”
As the Bears move deeper into the season, Gervon Dexter is not just an individual player to watch; he’s becoming a vital part of the team’s defensive identity. His progress could very well shape the trajectory of the Bears’ defensive efforts this year.
Conclusion
Gervon Dexter has worked really hard and it shows! In just two games, he has already shown that he could be a key player on the Bears’ defense. As he keeps improving his skills and takes on more challenges, people are starting to expect even more from him. Fans and sports experts are excited to see if Dexter can keep getting better and become a big difference-maker for the Chicago Bears.
