How Tashaun Gipson will help Eddie Jackson on Chicago Bears
Some fans do not realize all that Eddie Jackson brings to the table. Typically on camera, they see whether or not he made the tackle or interception, but behind the scenes, they do not know if he forced a QB to look another way, or if teams avoid him. However, one thing you can notice when you watch the Chicago Bears’ safety is that he impacts the rest of the entire defense.
Based on the cornerbacks, and their matchup can vary the coverage that Jackson gives, and Jackson also plays a style that suits his counterpart.
It is no surprise that Adrian Amos, Haha Clinton-Dix, and Tashaun Gipson all had better seasons with Eddie Jackson than they did the year prior. In fact, in the case of Amos and HHCD, they fell off a bit a year after playing with Jackson as well.
These are the unseen factors that Jackson brings. His versatility lets his counterparts play to their strengths. The match to Jackson can play easier knowing that he is a safety net at times. Overall, the system functions easier with his role.
While Jackson saw all three safeties get a raise the year after playing with him, this year he could see his back get scratched a little more.
Chicago Bears finally bring back a safety
Gipson got paid more in 2021 than 2020, but he is back with Chicago. This will be the first time in the past three seasons that Jackson does not have to break in a new safety to play next to him.
In his rookie season, it took a few weeks, but eventually, he started next to Amos. The two repeated what they finished and that led to the contract for Amos. Then HHCD came and went. With that in mind, the past four years have had different week one starters at safety.
While Jackson is able to jump in and play with anyone, it has to be taxing to learn new tendencies, new roles, and new ways to fit best to the player next to him.
Finally, Jackson has a chance to build off of the year before. He has a chance to grow with the tendencies that he developed playing next to Tashaun Gipson. Instead of so many moving pieces, it will be much more of a natural fit.
It may be minor, but it is likely not lost on Jackson that he finally gets his partner in crime back for a second season. It is underrated but could lead to a better overall season.