Understand that the Eddie Jackson near interception in Arizona was a fun highlight but hardly one worth discussing. At least in terms memorability. It was almost the play of the preseason but not quite. What some Chicago Bears fans may not know is there was a deeper story to that play. A revelation of just how gifted the young rookie is in terms of his ability to read a play and react to the ball.
Understand that Jackson didn’t start playing safety until 2015. So he hasn’t been doing it long, yet he makes it look like he’s done it for years. That comes courtesy of his natural athletic ability but also his instinct, intelligence and tireless work ethic. Coaches in Chicago and Alabama have lauded those traits about him.
All were on display during the play in question. It came in the second quarter with the Cardinals attempting to drive for their first score of the game. Carson Palmer dropped back to pass.
Eddie Jackson near interception came as result of baiting
It was then that Jackson explained to Rich Campbell of Chicago Tribune what he almost got the three-time Pro Bowler to do next.
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“Eddie Jackson dropped into position in the deep secondary and figured he’d try to bait the quarterback.
That is, Cardinals starting quarterback Carson Palmer.
Three-time Pro Bowler.
Thirteen-year NFL veteran and winner of 90 career games.
The first pick in the 2003 draft.
Jackson, the Bears safety drafted in the fourth round less than four months ago, thought if Palmer would zip a pass low and hard to the receiver streaking to the post, he just might pick it off.”
This is the play in question. Palmer runs a play action fake. Upon hitting his back step he lofts the ball down the middle of the field towards the end zone. Jackson makes an outstanding play to track the ball and knock it down. However, watch a bit more closely. The receiver had a slight step on cornerback Kyle Fuller going to the post. There was a window for Palmer to throw a dart at the post, allowing the receiver to run it in for the TD.
If he’d done that Jackson was in perfect position to cut the pass off for an interception if you note where he’s at on the field. That’s what he was hoping for. Instead Palmer elected to try going over the top.
“He actually floated it,” Jackson recalled this week. “I had to turn back and break a little bit, get back deep and try to make a big play on the ball.”
So why didn’t Palmer go for the laser shot? It’s possible he saw Jackson and didn’t want to risk it. Then again go back to the video. Look at right while he begins his throwing motion. Outside linebacker Leonard Floyd is bearing down on him right up the middle. If he tries to throw a line drive, there’s a good chance his arm gets hit and the ball comes out wrong. The loft throw was his only choice.
So, ironically, Jackson has his teammate Floyd to thank for that.
