Grabbing his first interception since a pick-6 in Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson finally found himself on the highlight reel in Week 15 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Having been on film and in the headlines for all the wrong reasons since the Hail Mary fail against the Washington Commanders, Stevenson was able to get a first-quarter interception on Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, who threw up a desperation heave on fourth down in Minnesota’s 30-12 win on Monday Night Football.
Looking to get his second interception of the game in the fourth quarter, Stevenson was called for pass interference on Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison, setting Minnesota up at the goal line, which they would convert into a touchdown run. Putting the game completely out of reach following the touchdown, Stevenson’s penalty was one of nine on the Bears in the loss, and a sign of how their season has played out this year.
Speaking to the media following the loss, Stevenson took aim at Jordan Addison saying the second-year receiver was flailing to get the call. Talking on the pride the defense has in getting takeaways, Stevenson said he was just happy to once again get an interception.
“Just pure happiness to actually get an interception, it’s kind of hard in this league,” Stevenson said. “So the fact that I was able to get one, especially in a time of need, over filled with happiness. Definitely ended quick cause we have to play the game.”
“It’s not my fault he’s 135 pounds and he failed.”
Tyrique Stevenson snagged his first INT since Week 1, but also got called for a debatable pass interference penalty. pic.twitter.com/vbBuaPFQVU
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) December 17, 2024
Stevenson had no explanation for the pass interference call on him in the fourth quarter, where he took a shot at Addison in the process.
“I can’t give you no better explanation than what we all seen,” Stevenson said. “It’s hard playing DB in the league, it’s an offensive league so you don’t get the calls. The ball was in the air, I looked back and I thought it was 50-50, a little shove is allowed, it’s not my fault he’s 135 pounds, and he fell, so.”
Addison is officially listed at 175 pounds and in two games against the Bears this season, recorded a combined 15 catches for 225 yards and a touchdown, while Minnesota won both games of the series.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Tyrique Stevenson takes aim at Jordan Addison after PI call