Eddie Jackson told an interesting story recently on NFL Game Pass Film Session to Kurt Warner and Brian Baldinger. Apparently, when he arrived at Alabama for college, he was under the impression that he would be able to play both offense and defense. Something he did in high school and was quite good at. However, head coach Nick Saban soon squashed those hopes. He wanted Jackson focused solely on playing defensive back.
It’s been several years since then but the man never forgot about that missed opportunity. Getting a chance to play offense is still something he wants to do. Now he may finally have his chance thanks to the presence of head coach Matt Nagy. It’s no secret the Bears’ leading man is far more open to using defenders on offense when situations demand. Ask Akiem Hicks.
This is why Jackson, who has five defensive touchdowns in three years, has continued to plead his case for a shot at getting in on the action. In an appearance on Good Morning Football on NFL Network, he was asked about this. Jackson made it clear he wasn’t asking for much. All he needed was a couple of plays. He’s certain he could make it work.
Eddie Jackson is a defender but he is also a weapon
This feels like sort of a Devin Hester situation. The man was lethal on special teams. The greatest ever. At the same time, this promised him just a few precious touches per game. That is why the Bears eventually shifted him from defensive back to wide receiver so they could try to get the ball in his hands more often. It’s the same deal with Jackson.
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As a defender, he’ll only have a couple of opportunities to get his hands on the football each game. Sprinkling him into some offensive packages would maximize his playmaking potential without wearing him out. Given the uncertainty this team has on that side of the ball, what do they honestly have to lose by experimenting?
