Gervon Dexter’s Literal Glare Caused A Titans Player To Quit
Gervon Dexter announced himself to the football world on Sunday when he bulldozed the Tennessee Titans in the second half for a pressure, a QB hit, and a sack. The second-year defensive tackle was a menace. It is terrifying to think he is still only scratching the surface of his potential. For all the nice plays he made in the backfield, his signature moment actually came where he had no direct impact. With Chicago trailing 17-16, Tennessee sought a first down to continue a drive near midfield. The Bears called a blitz that flushed quarterback Will Levis out of the pocket. Just as he was about to get sacked, he tried flipping the ball out to wide receiver Tyler Boyd.
Everybody knows what happened next. Tyrique Stevenson cut in front of the throw for the interception and ran it back for the score. In the mad frenzy of the moment, people missed the best part. It looked like Boyd still had a chance to chase Stevenson down. However, Dexter cut in front of him and gave the receiver a warning look. Boyd immediately ceased his pursuit. That is what you call a “business decision.”
Gervon Dexter is already gaining some respect.
Considering how crucial that play was to the game, Boyd had every reason to pursue Stevenson with every bit of urgency he had. For him to simply abandon the play speaks to how serious the look Dexter gave him was. It had that Dirty Harry, “Go ahead. Make my day” vibe. Boyd wanted no part of that. It was a fitting exclamation point to easily the most pivotal play of the Bears’ young season. So much momentum can be built from a win like that. Nothing feels better than stealing a game you were supposed to lose.
One thing is certain. If Gervon Dexter keeps on the trajectory he started last week, he is poised for a breakout season. Such an outcome would make the Bears’ defensive line one of the most terrifying in the league. They already had Montez Sweat, who is a monster. Trade acquisition Darrell Taylor had two sacks in his first game with the team. Adding an interior presence was the missing ingredient, and it appears Dino Dex is hungry.