He did indeed, and in the process Gordon became only the second Bears defensive back with 3.0 sacks in a game, joining Todd Bell, who did so Oct. 2, 1983, and just the second NFL DB with at least 3.0 sacks and two forced fumbles, joining the Houston Oilers' Rod Kush Sept. 15, 1985.
Gordon doubled his career stats in both categories, having entered Sunday with 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 45 games since being selected by the Bears in the second round of the 2022 draft.
"He was working his butt off trying to get back to us, and y'all could see it out there," said defensive end Daniel Hardy. "He wasn't just chilling at home. He was out there grinding and working and getting his body healthy so he could come back and be the star that he is."
Gordon's first big play Sunday occurred in the second quarter when he teamed up with linebacker Devin Bush to stop running back Brian Robinson Jr. for a 1-yard loss on third-and-4 from the Chicago 42.
All of Gordon's three sacks and two forced fumbles came in the second half. On second-and-9 from the Bears' 34 early in the third quarter, he dropped Penix for a 6-yard loss. Two plays later, the Falcons turned the ball over on downs.