At the end of 2018, Eddie Jackson was widely viewed as one of the best safeties in the NFL. Last year, he still had a good season but it feels like national pundits seemed to forget about him. Like he was just a flavor of the month. Maybe what he did two years ago was a fluke? Except Chicago Bears followers who watched the games had a different theory, and it had nothing to do with Jackson’s ability. It was more about Chuck Pagano.
When Vic Fangio was the defensive coordinator, he employed Jackson as a pure free safety. His job was to hang back in coverage, roam the field, and seek out opportunities to grab interceptions. After the coach left for Denver, it feels like that role shifted. Pagano arrived to take his place. While the veteran coach did a fine job running the defense, many feel he didn’t utilize Jackson properly.
How? By employing him too often around the line of scrimmage as a strong safety. Something he wasn’t drafted to do. Jackson handled the change well enough, but it took away from his opportunities to make big plays. Former All-Pro safety Rodney Harrison told the Under Center Podcast that he agrees. While happy Jackson got his money, he feels Pagano didn’t use him properly.
“Well-deserved. I think this young player is a terrific player. I got a chance to meet him last year in the kickoff game. Good size. Great instincts. Everything that you want in an All-Star caliber safety. Great instincts. Smart. I thought he played a little out of position last year. Playing a little bit more strong safety. I think he’s more of a natural ball-hawking free safety. They need to bring somebody in to play that position. Just let him roam with his athleticism.”
Chuck Pagano should know better than most what Jackson can do
What makes this entire situation so unusual is Pagano should know what Jackson can do is special. This is the guy who helped develop Ed Reed into a future Hall of Famer. Reed is one of the greatest free safeties in NFL history. For him to use Jackson as he has doesn’t make much sense. So what gives? Well, it could have something to do with personnel.
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Last season the Bears signed Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to fill the void left by Adrian Amos. Clinton-Dix had played free safety his entire career and wasn’t known for his tackling prowess. So Pagano had a choice. Play him at strong safety knowing this or sacrifice opportunities with Jackson. He chose the latter. It worked out fine but the interception totals tanked as a result.
Now Tashaun Gipson comes in. Another former Pro Bowler who made his name as a free safety. Is this a coincidence or a clear indication of Pagano’s philosophy? Hard to say but it feels like Gipson’s presence does nothing to alleviate fears that Jackson may continue playing more strong safety than he should in 2020.