From elite closing speed to physical run support, Bears' first-round draft pick Dillon Thieneman displayed all those traits in the preseason game against the Bengals. Here are some top plays from the Bears' safety.
Dillon Thieneman's rookie season has been far from easy.
The Chicago Bears' first-round draft pick has had to try to cover Colston Loveland -- one of the most dynamic tight ends in the NFL. He practices against head coach Ben Johnson's offense, a system that features heavy pre-snap motion and playmakers at every position.
Since the early days of training camp, the 22-year-old rookie has had to adjust to several different teammates opposite of him at the other safety position: Coby Bryant, Cam Lewis and Xavier Woods to name a few.
Of course, he's also learning the nuances of defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's defense, but the rookie feels good where he's at in that area of his development, and the tape from the Bears' 27-9 loss to the Bengals on Saturday reflects that.
"I think I’m at a very good spot," Thieneman said after the game. "Where we are right now with the playbook, I feel very confident."
Thieneman played 13 snaps against the Bengals, finishing with two total tackles. Here are three plays that showed the confidence from the rookie safety.
Sticky Coverage
With Thieneman's speed, he should have no issues keeping up with a majority of tight ends in the NFL. He just needs to trust what he's seeing. The rookie shows that on this first-and-10 play.
Bengals quarterback Josh Johnson initially looks to his right but cornerback Jaylon Johnson has coverage on his receiver, and Thieneman is all over tight end Cam Grandy, forcing Johnson to work back inside. Bears defensive back Dontae Manning is all over the play and forces an incomplete pass.
Pursuit
In the last play, Thieneman lined up in the box. This time the versatile defensive back in on top of the right hashes in a two-deep look. Well before Bengals running back Tahj Brooks catches the football, the Bears' safety is already taking an angle to the ball carrier.
Just watch the closing speed from the 6-foot, 201-pound safety on this play. Despite starting from the front end zone line, he makes contact with Brooks at the same time as linebacker D'Marco Jackson.
The Bears wanted to add speed. Thieneman has plenty of it.
Run Support
Thieneman is back in the box on this rep. The Bengals motion wide receiver Charlie Jones to block between the right tackle and tight end. Thieneman puts his shoulder into Jones to take away the outside C gap, taking that lane away.
The Bears' safety then turns inside towards Brooks to try and tackle the Bengals' running back while fighting through Jones' block.
Thieneman shows physicality by lowering the shoulder and wants to finish the play. As he continues to trust his instincts, he can play even more aggressive, allowing the safety to develop into the playmaker the Bears drafted him to be.
