There’s a ton of hype surrounding the Chicago Bears defense heading into 2020, and it’s easy to see why. Not only are they returning all but three starters — and you could argue they upgraded at those positions this offseason — but they’re coming off a solid season where several key starters were sidelined due to injury.
Following Vic Fangio’s departure last season, many were worried how that would affect this defense under new defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano. While the Bears defense certainly regressed following a magical 2018 season, they were one of the best defenses in the league last year even adjusting to a new defensive scheme.
Now as they head into Year 2 in Pagano’s defense, Bears safety Eddie Jackson says there’s a comfortability for these players and a belief that this unit can be even better than they were last season.
“It just gives us more comfort,” Jackson said. “We’ve been in it one year, so we kind of know what to expect from it and everyone knows their job and now you know different guys’ roles. One thing I like about coach Chuck and the way they’re teaching it, they’re teaching everyone different positions so you can know the jobs of the man next to you.
“I feel like this Year 2 is going to be amazing for our defense. Just being here already understanding guys’ positions and where your help is, that helps you play more freely. That’s probably the biggest thing.”
For Jackson, he’ll get to return to his natural free safety position, where he thrived in his first two years in the NFL. Last year, he played more strong safety with Ha Ha Clinton-Dix occupying the free safety role.
In his first two seasons, the two-time Pro Bowl safety has been an absolute ballhawk and playmaker for Chicago’s defense. Jackson has tallied eight interceptions, 21 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and scored five defensive touchdowns, which garnered him All-Pro and Pro-Bowl nods in 2018.
The Bears inked Jackson to a four-year extension earlier this offseason, which made him the highest-paid safety in the NFL. So you bet that they’re moving him back to free safety, where he’s already done so much for this defense.
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