Bold claim: Nahshon Wright is redefining Bears defense with takeaways that shifted November into Bears history. In November, Wright—playing cornerback for Chicago—earned NFC Defensive Player of the Month after generating five turnovers across five games.
The veteran corner finished the month with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries, contributing to a perfect 5-0 run for the Bears. That stretch marked the franchise’s first five-win month since November 1959. Wright logged a takeaway in every victory, becoming the first Bears player to produce takeaways in five consecutive games since at least 1970. Notably, he picked off Joe Flacco on a last-ditch heave to seal a 47-42 comeback win over the Bengals and later recovered a Jaxson Dart fumble forced by C.J. Gardner-Johnson, turning the tide in a 24-20 win against the Giants.
His last three takeaways have appeared All-Pro caliber. Wright delivered dramatic leaping interceptions against the Vikings and Steelers, then stripped the ball from Jalen Hurts on a tush-push play in a win over the Eagles. When he joined the Bears in April, expectations were that he would serve as a role player. However, an injury to Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson opened the door for Wright to start on the No. 1 defense from spring practice onward.
Defense coordinator Dennis Allen praised Wright, saying, "He’s been huge for us. He stepped up in the absence of other players, and he’s made big plays. He consistently finds his way around the football, and that’s what this game is about. Very pleased with his development." Allen added that Wright came to work every day in training camp, combining talent, intelligence, and a strong work ethic.
Wright’s five takeaways in November were the most by any NFL player in the month since Cincinnati’s Reggie Nelson had five in 2015, and marked the most by a Bears player in a single month since Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher had five in December 2007.
With eight takeaways on the year—five interceptions and three fumble recoveries—Wright currently leads the NFL. He is the first Bears player since Wilber Marshall in 1986 to record at least five interceptions and three fumble recoveries in a season.
This achievement also makes Wright the 10th Bears player to win an NFC Defensive Player of the Month Award and the first since Robert Quinn in November 2021. He is the fourth Bears defensive back to receive the honor, joining Tim Jennings (September 2012), Charles Tillman (October 2012), and Eddie Jackson (November 2018).
Questions for discussion: Do these performances redefine how the Bears should deploy Wright going forward, or should the team preserve him as a centerpiece of the defense regardless of opponent matchups? Do you agree with the assessment that his December contributions will continue this momentum, or could a regression occur as offensive coordinators adjust? Share your take in the comments.
