Chicago Bears’ Eddie Jackson is not playing as he did in 2018, however, he still was voted to this year’s Pro Bowl. While Jackson is a fan favorite and team leader it still should not garner a Pro Bowl roster spot. His stats for 2019 are not where they were last season and those numbers should be the determining decision whether he makes the team.
Eddie Jackson earned his right to play during the Pro Bowl last year, but this year he should not have been voted in. Frankly, his stats are not there. Either should of Khalil Mack or Tarik Cohen as an alternate, but that’s another article for a different time. It appears that this season, most fans voted upon favorites opposed to statistics.
There is no question that Eddie Jackson is a great leader and teammate. He stuck by Mitchell Trubisky through his struggles all season long and was the first to go congratulate Trubisky after his breakout game against the Dallas Cowboys. Beyond that, there is no statistical evidence to prove that he should have been selected for this year’s Pro Bowl squad. He is a talented player that is having an off-year.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears season was disappointing and one of those reasons was that many players did not play up to their potential. During the 2018 season, Jackson had six interceptions and one forced fumble. However, this year he has had only one interception and only one forced fumble. In addition, to his performance, his play has decreased as well.
Jackson has struggled in coverage on multiple occasions and tackling this year, and it is evident that he is not in his 2018 form. Maybe he is still nursing an injury from last season or maybe teams are choosing to stay away from him. In one particular game where he struggled was against the New York Giants’ Golden Tate where he blew past Jackson for a 23-yard touchdown catch during a crucial moment of the game.
This entire season has not been a complete loss for Jackson. He played exceptionally well against the Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles recording two-digit tackles. However, most of the season has been a rollercoaster with a downward trajectory. Jackson is a fan favorite and a leader in the locker room but that does not mean you should get voted to the Pro Bowl.
Jackson will definitely bounce back. He’s a great player that is just having an off-year just like the Bears season. Those things sometimes happen to the greatest of athletes and teams. He has a ton of potential and I am sure we will see him bounce back in 2020.