If the national audience did not know who Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson was, they sure do now
The Chicago Bears were outgained 293 yards to 153. Out first downed 20-5. The Panthers completed four more third downs and did it at a higher rate. In time of possession, the Panthers held the ball for 38:35 to 21:25 of the Bears. However, Eddie Jackson is here to remind you that none of that matters because he is on the Chicago Bears and not on the Carolina Panthers. That is all that mattered in this game.
Two touchdowns were scored in this game. Both came with Eddie Jackson, the team’s rookie starting safety crossing the goal line. He started the game with a fumble recovery. Cam Newton made a bad pitch, the ball bounced around and Eddie on spot scooped and scored, giving the Bears a 7-0 lead on a 75-yard touchdown.
Early in the second quarter with the score the same the Jackson reached back into his bag of tricks and pulled out a pick six. It came on a deflection that Prince Amukamara caused. Jackson again was in the right place at the right time and used his punt returner background to give his team a 14-0 lead.
The 151 yards on those two plays were two yards less than the Bears entire offensive total. Jackson was all that mattered in this game.
Jackson has been a great story all season. He came back from a leg injury in college early. He won a starting job in the preseason, and he has grown and excelled in his role every since.
The Bears offense was conservative, it was predictable and it was playing not to lose. Fortunately for them, the defense was
More from Bear Goggles On
- Franchise tag and transition tag windows open for Chicago Bears and NFL
- How the Chicago Bears can control the running back market in 2023
- The Chicago Bears can own the city of Chicago moving forward
- Chicago Bears NFL Combine Preview: Quarterback
- 7 best free agent tackle options for Chicago Bears
playing to win and got scoring opportunities early and sack opportunities late. Along with Jackson the team got to Cam Newton five times and forced another interception credited to Danny Trevathan.
The Bears defense is not going anywhere. This is a young group that is just coming together on the fly. If the offense can find some semblance, this 3-4 Bears team could be back into the running for a potential playoff spot.