The Chicago Bears are 5-1 for the first time since 2012. That is quite an accomplishment given what the expectations were for this team when the season began. Nobody gave them a chance of being above .500. Let alone atop the NFC North after six weeks. Yet after a Green Bay Packers thumping courtesy of Tampa Bay, that is the reality. Still, not everybody is completely satisfied. Just ask Eddie Jackson.
The star Bears safety played a superb game in Carolina on Sunday. Nothing showcased that more than what happened in the 3rd quarter. Jackson forced a fumble that the Bears recovered on former teammate Mike Davis. Then after Nick Foles threw a bad interception on the subsequent drive, he went right back on the field and intercepted Teddy Bridgewater, returning it 17 yards for a touchdown.
Unfortunately for the second time this season, it was called back.
This time due to a questionable pass interference call on Kyle Fuller. The look on Jackson’s face when he knew it was coming back told the whole story. He was incensed. Sure enough, after the game the first thing he said on Twitter was how the refs continue to rob him of big plays because of ticky-tack foul calls.
This makes no sense 2 TDS called back in 6 weeks smh…🐻⬇️
— Eddie Jackson (@BoJack4) October 18, 2020
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— Eddie Jackson (@BoJack4) October 19, 2020
He wasn’t alone either. Teammate Danny Trevathan was equally irate with the zebras. It’s clearly felt the refs have had it out for the Bears defense all year.
We need to start fining Refs. This is ludicrous on me.😤
— Danny Trevathan (@Grindin_59) October 18, 2020
People don’t know how good Eddie Jackson has been
One has to feel so bad for Jackson. If one were to watch the film, he’s been nothing short of outstanding. Always around the football, forcing opponents into mistakes. He’s on track for a career-high 85 tackles this season too. Yet because the stat sheet doesn’t have any interceptions, a lot of people will say he hasn’t done anything this season.
They don’t bother with seeking context. By rights, he should already have two pick-six touchdowns this year. Both were stolen from him by the refs. That is why he’s so upset. He just became one of the highest-paid safeties in the NFL this year and wanted to show the world why. How can he do that if they won’t let the defense play football?
At the end of the day, there isn’t much he can do.
Jackson will take the 5-1 record and move forward. If anything, these constant injustices will fuel his fire even more. It seems like Jackson is around the football more and more each week. He complains quarterbacks refuse to target him in coverage so he’s taking it upon himself to manufacture opportunities even when they try to avoid him.
That is what great players do. The stat sheet may not show it but Jackson is earning every penny the Bears are paying him. He has every right to be upset. Hopefully, that anger and frustration will be put to good use in the weeks to come as the schedule starts to get tougher. Knowing him, one can bet that big play will come sooner than later.