The Chicago Bears secondary came into this 2018 as sort of the second child of the family. They’re beloved for sure, but not quite as much as the first child. In this case the front seven with guys like Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, and Danny Trevathan making the most noise. Not enough people were buying into the idea this group of corners and safeties might be really good.
Well if they didn’t know before, they sure as hell do now. It wasn’t the front seven but the Bears secondary that delivered an improbable win for Chicago against Detroit. The stage was set. The defense was tired going into the 4th quarter. Detroit had just tied the game at 19-19 with a field goal and then forced the Bears into a quick 3 and out.
Everybody sense danger approaching. The only way a collapse could be avoided is if somebody made a play. True to form it was safety Eddie Jackson doing what he’s done all year, intercepting Matthew Stafford and returning it 41 yards for a huge touchdown. Yet even then it wasn’t over.
Chicago Bears secondary delivered the two decisive moments of the game
Detroit wasn’t laying down after that. They quickly drove down the field on the next series and into the red zone. The Bears were backed up against the end zone. It felt like they might not have any magic left. That is until Kyle Fuller snagged his fifth interception of the season and basically put the game away. It was such a clutch moment. Something Bears defensive backs haven’t been known for in ages.
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Jackson now has five defensive touchdowns in his career. More than any active player who’s been drafted since 2015. He hasn’t even played two full seasons yet. Fuller is having a career year. This after having a career year in 2017, proving that the decision to pay him was a wise one by GM Ryan Pace.
What’s crazy is these players are still so young. Fuller is in his fifth season but missed all of 2016 with a knee issue. Jackson is in his second. That’s not even counting Bryce Callahan who has also been having his best season. This is a young, athletic and opportunistic group. If they don’t send a couple of names to the Pro Bowl this year, it’s a travesty of justice the like of Chicago may ever see.
