50 Days Until Chicago Bears 2017 Season Kicks off: Jerrell Freeman profile
The Bear Goggles On Countdown to Kickoff series is now underway for the second season in a row. With 50 days to go until the Bears season kicks off, we will highlight the Bears player that is wearing number 50, Jerrell Freeman.
2016 Review
Freeman may have been named one of the best linebackers in the NFL had he not been suspended four games for using PEDs. He was easily the most consistent player on the Bears in 2016, and some think their best. Freeman can also be counted as Chicago’s best free agent acquisition of 2016. Now, Bears coaches and fans hope he can deliver in 2017.
Freeman led the team in tackles with 110 including 86 solo and 24 assisted.
2017 Outlook
Freeman is poised to have another strong season in a defense that should be even better than it was last year. If the guys around him can help out, he should be able to deliver in every single game he plays. He has been blessed with good health, has a nose for the football and an ability to play every single snap lights out. He’s one of the best t the position.
When you talk about the Bears, especially after last season, you have to talk about their health. Nearly every single player on the roster last season had some type injury. If there is a repeat of that this year, especially on defense, Freeman may not perform as well. At least you would think he wouldn’t.
Chicago Bears
But despite the fact the Bears suffered many injuries on defense last year, Freeman kept on playing solid football. If Freeman can step it up even without so many injuries starters missing or hobbling around beside him. Hopefully, he won’t have to pick up the slack, but if there are a lot of injuries, he will be capable of doing it.
The sky is the limit for Freeman. We should expect him to lead the team in tackles again and as long as he can stay away from the PED’s he could be the Bears best defender for the second year in a row.
The Bears defense will be much better this season and Freeman, along with guys like Leonard Floyd, Pernell McPhee and Danny Trevathan (if he is healthy) can combine to be one the best linebacking corps in the NFL. I had touted them as being one of the best last year and, for the most part, they delivered. Now, if they can just stay healthy, the sky’s the limit for Freeman and that group.
One smaller thing could and should happen with Freeman in 2017. He should be selected as the captain of the defense. He embodies the spirit of that defense and what it means to be a Chicago Bear.
Future with the Bears
Freeman has a very bright future in Chicago. He will easily be around in 2018 barring any major setback with his health and should be able to keep leading the defense. Freeman has been in the league for going on six seasons now and still has a lot left to offer. The Bears will stick with him for as long as he can play at a high level and stay relevant. I suspect there are several Pro Bowl and possible All-Pro appearances in his future.