(3) Eddie Jackson has reverted to his Pro Bowl form.
The playmaking safety made an immediate impact after being selected by the Bears in the fourth round of the 2017 draft out of Alabama. His five defensive touchdowns in 2017-18 tied for the most by a player in his first two NFL seasons. In addition, he was voted first-team All-Pro and named to the Pro Bowl in 2018 after registering a career-high six interceptions and three defensive TDs.
After being held without an interception for two full seasons in 2020-21, he vowed to rebound this year—and has done just that. Jackson has recorded key interceptions in wins over the 49ers and Texans, and the Bears are now 12-0 all-time when he picks off a pass in a game. He further displayed his ball skills by forcing a fumble versus Houston.
“He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do,” Eberflus said. “In terms of hustle, during training camp, he didn’t miss a beat. He was there every day. He grinded it out, and that’s where I think he’s really reaping the benefits of that.
“He’s got that foundation of that wind that you need to have to play the right way. The physical shape that he’s in right now is very good. He’s as lean as he’s ever been, and he’s in the best shape of his life, and he’s really doing a good job with leading our secondary and leading our team.”
It’s evident that a rejuvenated Jackson is playing with confidence.
“You can tell his swag is different,” said rookie safety Jaquan Brisker, “especially his leadership, him just coming in here and making sure everyone is doing everything right and making sure he’s doing himself right. Good or bad days, he’s always been a leader. Now, he’s making plays out there. As long as your leader is consistent, everybody else is going to follow. That’s what I’ve seen this year.”
Be the first to comment