Training camp is open! And there’s a certain buzz surrounding the Chicago Bears as they prepare for the 2021 season with workouts and practices at Halas Hall. So with camp in full swing and the preseason approaching, let’s take an early look at who’s on the team right now.
Previous: Quarterbacks. Running backs. Wide receivers. Tight ends. Offensive linemen. Special teams. Pass rushers. Defensive line. Linebackers. Cornerbacks.
Today: Safeties
Projected Starters:
Eddie Jackson
• 2020 stats: 82 total tackles (63 solo), 1 tackle-for-loss, 5 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 1 recovery, 1 fumble recovery touchdown; 59.6 grade from PFF (63 of 94 qualifying safeties)
Tashaun Gipson Sr.
• 2020 stats: 66 total tackles (48 solo), 2 interceptions, 7 passes defended, 1 fumble recovery; 72.0 grade from PFF (18th of 94 qualifiers)
The New Guys:
This position group has seen better days. It doesn’t feel all that long ago when Kyle Fuller, Prince Amukamara, and Bryce Callahan were locking up receivers both inside and out. But the past is the past. And the present has Fuller and Callahan in Denver, while Amukamara tries to make it in New Orleans. Meanwhile, in Chicago, the Bears brought in two new cornerbacks (Thomas Graham Jr., Desmond Trufant) to battle among a group of eight defenders who could be vying for two starting roles.
Don’t Forget About:
Deon Bush has grown from a 2016 fourth-round pick into a core special teams contributor who can start at safety in a pinch. It’s not a glamorous role, but someone’s gotta do it. DeAndre Houston-Carson also fits that mold of special teams ace who also chips in defensively. Houston-Carson came through with a few splash plays last year, including his first career interception and a pass breakup that broke Tom Brady’s brain.
What to Watch For:
Teez Tabor is on an interesting path. Tabor, no relation to Bears Special Teams Coordinator Chris, was a second-round pick in 2017 by the Lions who never panned out at his original position. A cornerback by trade, Tabor is sliding into a safety role. Chicago’s defensive coaches have done well in unearthing slept on gems in the secondary. Perhaps Tabor is next.
We Really Like:
Even when he isn’t getting interceptions, Eddie Jackson is the truth:
We Might Be Worried About:
I hope Jackson’s interception drought isn’t in his head. The playmaking safety was shutout last year and has just two in his last 32 games. That’s unexpected from a player who came away with 8 interceptions in his first 30 games. Common sense hints at positive regression being around the corner for Jackson. But hopefully it happens sooner, and not later.
2021 Forecast:
Another defensive position group that is a perceived strength. And with good reason. Jackson was an All-Pro safety at the peak of his powers in 2018, and is just one year removed from earning Pro Bowl honors. Gipson is a wily veteran whose return brings stability next to Jackson. Should this tandem stay healthy, they’ll be in on a number of big plays. And if the cornerbacks in front of them aren’t cutting it, then they’ll be challenged early and often this coming season.