The Chicago Bears already have one of the best pass rushers in the NFL thanks to their trade for Khalil Mack back in September. Now people are finding out that they may also have one of the best safeties as well. That’s how great Eddie Jackson has been this year, making some of the most decisive plays of the entire season.
The former 4th round pick out of Alabama is maturing into something special. Given the woes Chicago has had at safety for so many years after the disappointing end to the Mike Brown era, this is a breath of fresh air. His own teammates believe he should be in line for Defensive Player of the Year.
Those debates aside, there is one that has suddenly become prevalent in the past month. Is Jackson the best safety in the NFL? Given how the landscape has changed with several big names falling off the map due to injury or age, it’s a discussion worth having.
The numbers paint a clear picture on who Eddie Jackson is
There’s no denying that Jackson has transformed himself into one of the best safeties in the NFL. The question is does he have a case for being THE best? Often in these situations, it’s best to look towards the numbers. Typically the best at a given position is the total package. They are a factor both in the passing game and against the run. Opponents can’t escape them.
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Is this the case with Jackson? Well, not entirely.
- 4 interceptions (3rd in NFL)
- 8 passes defended (7th in NFL)
- 56.3 passer rating when targeted (4th in NFL)
- 3 defensive TDs (1st in NFL)
- 38 tackles (33rd among DBs)
- 4 run stops (13th among DBs)
Jackson is no doubt one of the most instinctive in the entire league, but when it comes to overall versatility? He’s not quite there. Jackson does have a case for being the best coverage safety in football given his interception and defensive touchdown numbers. However, his run coverage and tackling prowess just aren’t there.
This isn’t entirely his fault. When you have Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman, Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith handling the run, there isn’t much to ask of him. His primary job is patrolling the back end of that defense and he’s doing as good or better than anybody in the business. He may not be the best overall, but he’s still a star.
There’s nothing wrong with that.
