Eddie Jackson Has Entered Defensive Player Of The Year Chat
The Chicago Bears looked like what they are in New York: a rebuilding football team. They had countless opportunities to take control of that game and couldn’t do it—much of why is because they didn’t have the horses to compete. However, not everything was terrible about that game. It was the latest in the campaign for Eddie Jackson to win Defensive Player of the Year. That may sound like a joke and would have a week ago. Now? Not so much.
Everybody was ready to leave the veteran safety for dead after his rough 2020 and 2021 seasons, where he failed to record a single interception. Some wondered if he’d lost his edge after getting paid. His last hope was Matt Eberflus and the new coaching staff. Maybe their defensive system could help him regain his old form. After four games, that is a resounding yes. Jackson recorded his third interception of the season in New York, already eclipsing his entire total of 2019. It is scary to think how much more he could do with 13 games left to play.
Eddie Jackson is already threatening a Bears record.
Mark Carrier set the single-season mark for interceptions with ten in 1990. Only Tim Jennings has come close to matching that record since. Now Jackson has gained enough early momentum to put himself in that conversation. Seven more interceptions in 13 games aren’t easy, but it’s doable. This defense clearly fits his playing style. The presence of rookie Jaquan Brisker also makes his job easier.
Yet it’s not only the interceptions. Eddie Jackson has also looked much crisper in run defense, making solid tackles. He was third on the team in tackles going into the Giants game. That speaks to how fully he’s embraced the new team defense philosophy. If he continues this tear, he might be the first Bears player since Brian Urlacher in 2005 to win Defensive Player of the Year honors. That would be a great way to silence his critics.
Either way, it’s great to see the former All-Pro back in his old form. He’ll be sorely needed as the team struggles through their growing pains.