15 Most Impactful Bears of 2022: No. 2 Eddie Jackson
The Chicago Bears wrapped their 2022 season, the place they completed 3-14 and misplaced their remaining 10 video games of the 12 months. However the future is shiny heading into this 2023 offseason, as GM Ryan Poles has the No. 1 choose within the NFL draft, a boatload of wage cap house ($118 million) and a franchise quarterback in Justin Fields.
Over the following few weeks, we’ll be counting down our 15 Most Impactful Bears for the 2022 season. We’ll recap their 2022 season and look forward to how they issue into 2023.
At No. 2 is Eddie Jackson, who not solely loved a renaissance 12 months, however supplied wanted stability within the secondary.
Background
Oct 2, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chicago Bears security Eddie Jackson (4) intercepts a go meant for New York Giants huge receiver Darius Slayton (86) through the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports activities
Place: Security
Age: 29
Expertise: sixth 12 months
2022 cap hit: $15,090,000
2022 stats
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 25: Security Eddie Jackson #4 of the Chicago Bears celebrates after intercepting a go through the first quarter at Soldier Subject on September 25, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photograph by Michael Reaves/Getty Photos)
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80 tackles (1 for loss)
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4 interceptions
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6 passes defensed
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2 compelled fumbles
2022 recap
Sep 11, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears free security Eddie Jackson (4) runs after his interception within the fourth quarter in opposition to the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Subject. Obligatory Credit score: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports activities
All through 2022, the Bears stated goodbye to defensive stalwarts resembling Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman, Danny Trevathan, Roquan Smith, and Robert Quinn. Nearly each key veteran from the earlier regime was both traded or launched. Everybody besides Eddie Jackson. The previous All-Professional security appeared to be a shell of himself over the previous few seasons and was identified extra for his bloated contract and tackling points than his ball hawking skills.
However within the midst of a transition 12 months, Jackson’s playmaking skills returned. Taking part in as a real free security as soon as once more, he notched 4 interceptions, probably the most since 2018. His six passes defensed had been additionally probably the most since 2018 as nicely. He made a key choose proper off the bat in Week 1 to set the Bears up for a victory and didn’t look again. His opposing quarterback ranking plummeted from a disastrous 143.6 in 2021, to 66.4 in 2022, in keeping with Professional Soccer Reference.
Jackson additionally solely allowed one landing your entire season, one other whole that hadn’t been seen since 2018. He actually did flip again the clock to his All-Professional season, however one can argue final 12 months was extra spectacular. Jackson wasn’t enjoying with the identical expertise as that 2018 group and had to assist carry this staff slightly than be one other cog within the machine. For his efforts, Jackson was named a everlasting staff captain following the Quinn commerce through the season. The one draw back to the season got here in Week 12 when Jackson was misplaced for the season as a result of a foot damage.
2023 outlook
Oct 30, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Bears security Eddie Jackson (4) intercepts a go thrown by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (not pictured) through the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports activities
This time final 12 months, projecting Jackson to be on the 2023 staff was laughable at greatest. Given his contract and up to date play, his departure appeared all however sure. Issues can change quick, although. Jackson does carry a hefty cap hit of over $17 million subsequent 12 months and his return nonetheless isn’t assured. Whereas the Bears do have loads of cap house, restructuring his deal may very well be on the desk.
Nonetheless, with what Jackson has been capable of do underneath Matt Eberflus and his management with gamers like Jaquan Brisker, it will be a shock to see him launched or traded. The Bears want playmakers and Jackson confirmed he’s again to being one in all them in Eberflus’ protection. Anticipate Jackson to as soon as once more be one of many defensive leaders because the Bears look to take a big step in 2023.
15 Most Impactful Bears of 2022
We’re counting down our 15 Most Impactful Bears of 2022. Verify again on daily basis.