Eddie Jackson has played with the Chicago Bears since 2017. He’s the last surviving member of that elite defense in 2018. He saw this team rise and fall in such a short span of time. When thinking about why they weren’t able to achieve their full potential, it isn’t hard to see why. During his career, the Bears have had a productive offense one time. That was in 2018 itself, aided mainly by the 26 takeaways the defense provided. Jackson quickly learned never to take help from the offense for granted.
That is why the Bears’ recent stretch of losses is so infuriating for him. Justin Fields and the offense has scored at least 22 points in four of their last five games. Chicago is 1-3 in those games. The defense allowed 29, 42, 14, and 28 points in those contests. It isn’t hard to predict which of them they won. Jackson recognizes their massive blown opportunity over the past month and said as much after the loss to Miami, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
“Listen, it is a blessing,” said free safety Eddie Jackson, one of the most tenured players in the locker room in his sixth season. “It’s something that you can’t take for granted. I tell the young guys all the time, ‘(The offense is) doing everything we ask.’ It’s never been like this since I was here. We’ve just got to give them some help. We can’t continue to lose games.”
Eddie Jackson can’t solve the defense’s biggest problem.
There isn’t enough talent. GM Ryan Poles made that inevitable after trading Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith for three draft picks last week. It was a necessary move in the team’s long-term outlook, but it undoubtedly weakened the defense significantly. They haven’t been able to get consistent stops. Their pass rush is weak, and the secondary is hung out to dry as a result. Their run defense is still a problem too. Not enough bodies. It is that simple.
That puts pressure on Eddie Jackson to do more. Guys have to step up. The offense is doing its part, and they have the same excuse. Their talent level isn’t exactly high. Sure, Fields is playing like a star but everywhere else is mostly average. That hasn’t stopped them from making things happen. The defense must step up. While expectations are low, the season isn’t over yet.
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Remember that it is much easier to quickly fix a defense than it is to fix a broken offense. If the O is trending up that is a great thing. A few new bodies and some real speed can quickly fix a Tampa 2 defense.
Look, everyone that knows football also knows that the rest of this season is all about evaluating the players left on the roster in preparation for the offseason. My expectation is that the defense will continue to give up a ton of points, and the offense will continue improve and score more points. I’m ok with this because it’s realistic. I’m looking forward to watching every single remaining game and observing the players performances on both sides of the ball. When its all said and done, we will have a top 10 pick (minimum), a boat load of money to… Read more »
@David Yeah, his Ole block was pretty pathetic. Thats why Monty is the third down back, I’ve seen him pancake dudes. 🥞🥞 Pretty sure I saw an article from somewhere saying he was one of the better pass pro Rbs which I totally agree with.
@GrinBearIt JJ does still have some growing up to do it seems 😐 I just hope he can ascend and grow/develop into the Pro Bowl/All-pro caliber player we’d like and ink a second contract.
That was Khalil Herbert who let his guy through on the punt block. That's how he also blocks in pass pro. He won't be thought of as an RB1 until he can block.
Does anyone know how many INTs and forced fumbles the Bears’ “shut down CB”, Jaylon Johnson, has so far in his career with the Bears? Asking for a friend. I got the initial impression that Flus wasn’t impressed with him when Flus arrived and don’t think that opinion has changed so far. Note: he chose to make Justin Jones a permanent captain, even though Jaylon has been here longer.