The Chicago Bears are in a state of rebuilding. That means the new regime is free to give opportunities to younger players. Anybody that can make a positive impression will get more looks moving forward. Fans are conditioned to keep their focus on offense and defense in these situations. That is only natural. Those two sides of the ball control most of the action. However, many young players often get their start in the NFL through special teams.
Surprisingly the Bears have had some success in that area. Cairo Santos remains ever-reliable as a kicker. Trenton Gill is a pleasant surprise as their rookie punter. Yet their coverage units have seen some unexpected bright spots emerge. One is undrafted free agent Jaylon Jones and the other is undrafted rookie Josh Blackwell the Bears claimed off waivers in August. The two have combined for seven special teams tackles in six games thus far.
Jaylon Jones days until Aggie football pic.twitter.com/6bw8uEJEnZ
— Sidelines – Texas A&M (@SSN_TAMU) August 17, 2022
The Chicago Bears should be happy about this.
Yes, everybody likes to talk about the superstar on a team. However, depth is just as vital to success in the NFL. It is always the unheralded names on special teams that can determine the outcome of a game, for better or worse. Credit must go to GM Ryan Poles for pinpointing Jones and Blackwell as two promising contributors in the third phase. Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower also deserves a nod of approval for preparing them so well.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
If this trend holds, the Chicago Bears have two possible stalwarts for their special teams moving forward. Both of them were acquired for pennies. That is how good teams are supposed to do it. Maybe one of them even develops into a possible contributor on defense. That would be a bonus. Either way, this proves that the Bears are having success developing several young guys. There’s a clear buy-in. As more new faces arrive, that should expand next year.
