Olin Kreutz understands why so much attention is paid to the Chicago Bears offense lately. That is only natural considering it’s been the weak point of this franchise for years. Mitch Trubisky isn’t the franchise QB people thought. The offensive line was a wreck at times and certain receivers aren’t executing at a high enough level. Yet the former six-time Pro Bowler has made it clear for weeks now that not enough people are talking about the decline of the Bears defense.
He stated that the offense was finally playing good complementary football. They’re running the ball well, controlling the clock, and manufacturing some points. The problem is this offense was built to compliment an elite defense. A formula that worked to perfection in 2018. Unfortunately, the signs are growing that the Bears defense is nowhere near elite any longer.
A perfect example in Kreutz’s mind is Eddie Jackson.
He’s been hearing all season from Jackson about how the defense is this and that. About how they’re going to turn it around and make people pay. All the while the man himself has no delivered personally. Is it really his place to talk so much when he can’t back it up on the field? Kreutz indicated as much during his interview on Mully & Haugh for 670 The Score.
“They got to get those interceptions when it hits them in the hands. Especially someone like Eddie Jackson who’s getting paid all that money. It seems like every week you hear a great quote from Eddie Jackson. I’d like to see him get a great tackle or a great interception instead of a great quote.”
It’s crazy to think how fast Jackson’s decline has been. He was an All-Pro in 2018, collecting six interceptions. That dropped to two in 2019. Now with 2020 at an end, he finishes without an interception for the first time in his career. Two were called back due to penalties and he dropped another in the season finale against Green Bay. He also tied his career-low with five passes defended and missed a career-high 13 tackles. Quarterbacks had a 110.4 passer rating when targeting him in coverage.
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This #Bears season has had plenty of strange things happen, but Eddie Jackson not having one INT is up there on my list. For whatever reason, he just isn't finishing plays like we have seen in the past. Jackson's could've been INT vs. GB looked very similar to the one vs. HOU. pic.twitter.com/kdWgegDwYf
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) January 5, 2021
Olin Kreutz is correct. Jackson needs to start delivering
The Bears made him the highest-paid safety in the NFL (at the time) this past offseason. A whopping $14.6 million per year with $33 million in guaranteed new money. Well-deserved at the time. Yet with such a massive payday comes elevated expectations. Jackson is paid like a superstar so he rightfully should be expected to play like one. Thus far he hasn’t done so.
Olin Kreutz is voicing a valid opinion. In times of crisis for the defense, superstars need to step up. Jackson certainly carries himself like one yet the production on the field isn’t backing it up. Blame the refs or the lack of pass rush all you want. Great players make great plays. Jackson hasn’t done that this year. He shouldn’t be free from criticism for it.
Less talk, more walk. Earn your money.
If Jackson wants to get people off his back, he’ll need to show up in a big way on Sunday. It will be the first playoff game of his NFL career. Remember he missed the wild card game two seasons ago against Philadelphia due to an ankle injury. The Bears will need him against that high-powered New Orleans Saints offense. If he’s invisible again? Odds are he won’t be talking as much going into the offseason.