With Super Bowl expectations heavy on their minds, the Chicago Bears will begin preparations in earnest for the 2019 season this week when they report to Bourbonnais for training camp.
As the team arrives in the Chicago suburb, we’re taking a look at 10 of the players that will have the biggest impact on the Bears’ fortunes in the coming year, and today we’re focusing on safety Eddie Jackson.
How 2018 Went for Jackson:
The 2018 season was a coming out party for Jackson, who established himself as one of the top young defensive backs in the league. All he did was pick off six passes, force two fumbles, score three total defensive touchdowns, and earn All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in his second NFL season.
Jackson and former teammate Adrian Amos were one of the best duos in the league, and the safety was a big part of the reason why the Bears were somehow take their defense to an even higher level than it had been at previously.
The Biggest Question He’ll Face:
Most of the Bears' secondary remains the same, with Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara returning at safety, but the Bears will have a new defensive coordinator in Chuck Pagano and a new fellow safety in Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.
Local
The Pagano element likely won't impact Jackson much, as his skillset is good enough to fit into most defensive systems, but the Clinton-Dix element could be interesting. Amos signed a free agent deal with the Packers based on his accomplishments with the Bears, but will Jackson suffer without his teammate alongside him?
Our Prediction:
In all honesty, Jackson probably won't nab six interceptions again, but that's because teams are way more likely to target Clinton-Dix, testing out the knee he hurt before the season and seeing if he still has the speed to play over the top in the Bears' system.
Even still, Jackson is a monster on the defensive side of the ball, and we fully expect him to continue to evolve into one of the very best safeties, if not defensive players, in the game.
For more on our examination of the 10 Bears players to watch this season:
7/26 - Running back David Montgomery
7/25 - Wide receiver Anthony Miller
7/25 - Defensive end Akiem Hicks
7/24 – Cornerback Kyle Fuller
7/24 – Tight end Trey Burton
