The Bears are criminally underrated at this position. With low expectations some units tend to get over looked. With a perfect combination of veteran leadership, and young hungry talent, Ryan Poles may have the perfect ingredients for one of top secondary’s in the league. A few things need to happen first and it starts with a former all-pro.
Eddie Jackson
What has happened to Eddie Jackson? Some say he’s gotten lazy, others think it was his payday. Whatever has caused the Jackson decline one thing is certain, Eberflus isn’t having it. If anything can bring Jackson back to for its this hard nosed coaching staff. If the Bears get their ball hawking safety back that’s a season changer. Give me a week one Jackson pick 6, and the Bears will make the wildcard.
That’s Brisker, baby
like the old claymation Brisk commercials when someone would get a jolt of energy after taking a sip. Then shout ” That’s Brisk baby!” That’s how I feel when I see Jaquan Brisker flash on to my screen and pop someone. ” That’s Brisker, baby!” He’s a lot like Adrian Amos but with better ball skills. In my opinion Brisker was the best player the Bears drafted this season. I didn’t think he would look this good so fast. I need to take some of my own advice and calm down. It’s only preseason, but damn. I’m very excited to see him roaming the Bear secondary for years to come. Need him and Eddie Jackson, finishing each other’s sentences.
Jaylon Johnson
Outside of Chicago no one knows how good Johnson really is. That’s because he doesn’t have a lot of interceptions. That’s going to change this season. There aren’t a lot of guys in the league I trust one on one more then Johnson. He’s shown that when covering Devanta Adams. Johnson is more important to this team then Roquan Smith. I know that’s not going to be a popular statement but it’s the truth. Johnson has the ability to take out some of the Bears opponents top weapons by himself. This is the man Poles will need to pay.
Kyler Gordon
The Bears highest pick of this years draft, We haven’t seen a ton of Gordon due to health reasons. What we have seen and heard has been impressive. He’s very impulsive with a high football I.Q. That’s a great combination to have. Just needs to calm his nerves a little when he gets out there and not get overly excited. He’s a self proclaimed “twitchy guy”. He needs to harness that. The Bears have to feel good about him, otherwise they wouldn’t be prepared to play him in the nickel aswell as opposite Jaylon Johnson. It appears he will open the season at the nickel spot.
Kindle Vildor
Vildor is the definition of playing with chip on your shoulder. Last year on opening day he was a starting cornerback, due to struggles he was benched by Thanksgiving. He gets a fresh start with a new coaching staff and has been making an impact. His leash will be short however, they won’t wait until Thanksgiving to bench him if he struggles. He is the weak link in the secondary, but that doesn’t mean he can’t produce. Throw in one of the best edge rushers in the league Robert Quinn putting pressure on quarterbacks, and the Chicago Bears secondary can be a top 3 unit in the NFL.