Chicago Bears Training Camp: 6 Potential candidates for camp MVP
Could Eddie Jackson return to form and be the Chicago Bears training camp MVP?
Finally, the last player who I believe has the potential to stand out during Chicago Bears training camp is Eddie Jackson. As I mentioned earlier, defensive backs have the best chance to perform at a high level when it comes to the defensive side of the football. Pass rushers, linebackers and defensive linemen can make some plays here and there, but it’s hard to sack a quarterback you are not allowed to actually touch.
Many fans and especially those who are fans of other teams believe Eddie Jackson has struggled the last two years because the game-changing plays he showcased in 2018 have fallen off. The thing is, 2018 was an elite year, but his play in 2019 was just as good. Jackson had six interceptions in 2018 and took two of them back for touchdowns. He also forced two fumbles that year and returned one for a touchdown. He had five touchdowns over his first two seasons.
In 2019, Jackson grabbed another two interceptions, but never found the end zone. This did not mean he had a bad year though. Jackson only allowed 53.5% of the balls thrown in his direction to be completed. Quarterbacks averaged 57.6 QB rating when throwing in Jackson’s area. These are fantastic numbers and Jackson should have still been viewed as a top safety in the NFL.
2020 was different. Jackson struggled in all areas. He should have had two interceptions returned for touchdowns, but lame penalties ruined those stats from sticking to his resume. Instead, Jackson did not record any interceptions. Even worse, he allowed 67.4% of the passes thrown in his direction to be completed and quarterbacks averaged a 110.1 QB rating.
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With Tashaun Gipson returning this season, Jackson will have the same safety playing opposite him for the first time since his elite season in 2018 when Adrian Amos was on the team. Call me crazy, but I have a feeling that Jackson bounces back in a big way this season when it comes to game-changing plays. His determination could start during training camp as he dominates the defensive side of the ball and earns 2021 Chicago Bears training camp MVP.