The Chicago Bears are just a few days away from kicking off their 2021 season against the Los Angeles Rams. Although all attention is on how the Bears' offense will perform this season, they will be successful if their defense can return to their 2018 form. For the Bears' defense to return to form, former All-Pro safety Eddie Jackson will need to play to the level he did just a few years ago.

Jackson's Career Has Cooled Off Significantly Following A Hot Start.

When general manager Ryan pace drafted Jackson in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, many were skeptical of the former Alabama safety's potential following a near-career ending injury. As a rookie in 2017, the rookie impressed, intercepting two passes and recovered two fumbles. Jackson demonstrated his true potential as a difference-making defensive threat as he single-handily beat the Carolina Panthers, recording two defensive touchdowns in a 17-3 victory.

In Jackson's second season in 2018, he was one of the core members of a Bears' defense that was the best in the NFL. He led Chicago with three defensive scores, including interception returns in back-to-back games over four days. Jackson finished the 2018 campaign with seven defensive takeaways, was named to the Pro Bowl and was named an All-Pro. 2019 saw a decline in Jackson's stellar play as he recorded just two interceptions as the Bears' defense ability to force takeaways decreased significantly. The safety's two interceptions came on Hail Mary throws at the end of games against second-string quarterbacks. Jackson only had one forced fumble and fumble recovery during his third season also. Following the 2019 season, Pace awarded his star safety with a four-year contract extension worth 58 million dollars, making him the highest-paid safety in the league. Last season, Jackson failed to record a single interception and only had one fumble recovery for a score. Despite having several interceptions canceled out due to defensive penalties, Chicago's high-priced safety failed to make a difference as fellow safety Tashaun Gibson recorded two interceptions. One of the main reasons for the Bears' defensive struggles has been the lack of interceptions over the last two seasons. Chicago's defense recorded a league-leading 27 interceptions in 2018, the Bears' defense has only recorded 20 interceptions the previous two seasons combined.

Eddie Jackson's Success is Vital For The Bears Defense

The Bears' defense will have to rely heavily on Jackson's presence, given the loss of Pro Bowl cornerback Kyle Fuller during the offseason. Chicago will have a combined two interceptions from last season from their starting secondary heading into Sunday's game against the Rams. Although the Bears' defensive front seven can generate pressure, it will mean nothing if their secondary can cover and force interceptions.

For the secondary to be a contributing factor for the defense, Jackson must return o his play-making form that was seen in 2018. Of his six interceptions in 2018, four of his interceptions came on either tipped passes or forced throws by opposing quarterbacks, who were under pressure. Of Jackson's 16 defensive takeaways over his four-year career, only one has come in a loss, while the rest were significant moments in Bears' victories. Jackson and Gibson will have important roles for the Bears' secondary as their two starting cornerbacks in Jaylon Johnson and Kindle Vildor have zero career interceptions, and both are entering their second seasons in the NFL. Jackson will have little room for mistake, given the inexperience in the secondary. The Pro Bowl safety may have to play more centerfield and guard against the deep pass, limiting his ability to jump short to middle passing routes.

If Jackson is unable to be a takeaway threat, it is unlikely that anyone else in the Bears' secondary will step up to fill the void. The inexperience at the cornerback position, in turn, will put even more importance on Chicago's defensive pass-rush to close in on opposing quarterbacks to create sacks. A reinforced pass-rush could be the best thing for Jackson to have a comeback season give what was seen in 2018. 2021 is a make-or-break season for the Bears with significant ramifications if the team fails to make the playoffs. If Jackson fails to make an impact this year, he could be traded or released next offseason as his production would not justify his large contract. For a safety who recorded eight interceptions and five defensive touchdowns in his first two seasons, Jackson must have reprisal in 2021