Chicago will not be among the playoff teams, but that is not stopping rookie safety Eddie Jackson from showing the masses why he was overlooked in this year’s NFL Draft.
Before leading the Bears’ defense against quarterback Andy Dalton and Cincinnati on Sunday, Jackson had four games where he totaled at least five tackles – including a season-high of eight tackles in week two versus Tampa Bay, despite a 29-7 loss at Raymond James Stadium.
He was frequently around the ball against the Bengals, collecting five total tackles with four coming unassisted.
Like his days at the University of Alabama, Jackson still comes in run support to deliver crushing hits on ball carriers. Giovanni Bernard led Cincinnati with 62 yards rushing; however, Jackson and company held the Bengals to 70 yards on the ground.
Hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., he was credited with two turnovers as picked off Dalton for his second interception of the season and recovered a fumble in the Bears’ 33-7 win. It was the second time all year in which Jackson accounted for both a pick and a fumble recovery – dating back to week seven versus Carolina.
To continue a strong birthday celebration, the now 24-year-old Jackson helped bracket six-time Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Green to five catches for 64 yards on 12 targets.
Both the interception and fumble recovery in question, came with Green as the casualty.
Step 1: Get the ball back…#CHIvsCIN #DaBears https://t.co/c3lKfmIql3
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 10, 2017
With him, Chicago allowed three conversions on third downs (12 attempts) and surrendered 234 total yards to Cincinnati. Jackson’s attention to details limited time of possession for Dalton and company, and while both team had 11 drives, the Bengals ran 19 fewer plays (72 to 53).
Through 13 games (4-9), Jackson has 49 tackles and two interceptions.
He was pivotal on three Southeastern Conference championship teams at Alabama (2014-16) and a College Football Playoff national title squad in 2015. Chicago got a steal with him in the fourth round, and now all it has to do is continue building around him.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
