As always, the talk around the Chicago Bears‘ victory over the Tennessee Titans on Saturday afternoon involved the offense and defense. Trevis Gipson lit up opposing tackles for several pressures. Tyrique Steven was a constant pest in coverage. Darnell Wright looked great in blocking duties, and D.J. Moore needed only one play to show everybody he’s legit. However, nothing may prove more vital to individual success in the preseason than special teams. It will also be essential to winning tight games in the regular season as well.
In that regard, it’s becoming apparent the Bears may have scored not one but two studs in the third phase. Cornerback Jaylon Jones and safety Elijah Hicks were cheap fliers by the Bears last off-season. Hicks was a 7th round pick out of Cal. Jones was an undrafted free agent from Mississippi. Both didn’t need long to become contributors, combining for 10 special teams tackles in 2022. They picked up right where they left off against Tennessee, combining for five more. Jones had three and Hicks had two.
It is apparent the Bears have two core pieces to their coverage units moving forward.
The Chicago Bears continue to build the roster properly.
GM Ryan Poles demonstrates an understanding of the process. Late-round picks and undrafted free agents should be about athletic upside and special teams value. Hicks and Jones represented elements of both. Poles felt the two had the necessary workman-like approach and enthusiasm for football that would push them to embrace roles beyond their traditional ones on defense. He was correct. Each hasn’t even started their second season and it already looks like they can captain the special teams units in the near future.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
It will be interesting if Josh Blackwell also continues his path from last year. Also a former undrafted free agent, he led the team with nine special teams tackles in 2023. With Dylan Cole, an ace brought over from Tennessee, the Chicago Bears could have one of the league’s more reliable kick and punt coverage units. They already have an accurate kicker and an explosive kick returner. If they can somehow find an actual punt returner that isn’t Velus Jones, they might be one of the best third phases in the NFL.
