Eddie Jackson's return gives Bears a massive boost during OTAs
One of the bigger questions heading into the Chicago Bears 2022 season was whether or not former All-Pro safety Eddie Jackson would be able to succeed in Matt Eberflus' defense. That question was quickly answered as Jackson racked up three interceptions during the first four games of the season. He ended up with four total […]
One of the bigger questions heading into the Chicago Bears 2022 season was whether or not former All-Pro safety Eddie Jackson would be able to succeed in Matt Eberflus' defense.
That question was quickly answered as Jackson racked up three interceptions during the first four games of the season. He ended up with four total before an ankle injury prematurely ended his season in Week 12.
Jackson easily had his best season since 2018, when he earned first-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl nod. Now, it's about recovering from his injury and getting back to the form we saw last year.
Well, Jackson can go ahead and check that first box, as he returned to the practice field -in full capacity- during the final week of Bears OTAs.
"Eddie has worked his tail off to get back to where he is," head coach Matt Eberflus told reporters Wednesday. "He’s in really good shape from working with the rehab staff and I want to commend those guys, the training staff, of getting him back and commend Eddie also for the hard work that he’s put in to get to this point.
"We started him off with individual the day before and then he's been working into some team reps, now. So he's been doing a good job with that."
But it's not just Jackson's on-field play that gives the Bears such a big boost – his leadership and his ability to lead by example was key in helping a young secondary develop.
The Bears secondary is still young, including second-year players Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon. Jackson's return will only help them continue to develop, which is obviously key for a team looking to take a big step forward in 2023.
"Last year, Eddie had an outstanding training camp, so [he led] by example," said Eberflus. "… Our best players have to be the hardest workers and he didn't miss a day. So, he was humming during training camp. He got himself into great physical shape… so that was it.
"And he's just a vocal guy… and Jaquan saw that. That's really the best part of it – the look he gave."
The Bears defense needs to improve on all three levels in 2023, therefore, the team needs all hands on deck and said hands need to be as ready to go by the time the season rolls around.
Fortunately, the Bears return a player -and a very good player, at that- who can help them get to that point.
Featured image via Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports
