The Chicago Bears defense has plenty of reasons to believe it will be a force this season. They already have several good players headlined by Jaylon Johnson, Montez Sweat, Kyler Gordon, T.J. Edwards, Gervon Dexter, and Tremaine Edmunds. Since then, they've added Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo. It is a group that is capable of big things if defensive coordinator Dennis Allen lives up to his reputation as a great play caller. All of this overshadows the return of maybe one of their best players: Jaquan Brisker.
Nobody should downplay how important the safety was for the Bears last year. In the five games he was available, the defense allowed more than 20 points just once and forced 11 turnovers. After losing him for the season to his concussion, the defense allowed 20 or more points in eight of their remaining 13 games. Brisker was missed. His versatility, physicality, and leadership were integral to the defense's success. So it was telling to see him make an impact play almost immediately after returning to practice.
He then made sure to let everyone know about it on Twitter (X) afterwards.
Jaquan Brisker has all the motivation in the world this year.
It was evident for months that not being able to play and help the team build on their 4-2 start to the season killed him. Watching them crumble to that 5-12 finish, knowing he could've helped, was crushing. Jaquan Brisker hinted even before the end of the season that he could've returned. It was a team decision not to let him. That no doubt bled into another problem he has. Brisker didn't get a contract extension. His draft mate Kyler Gordon received his earlier this offseason. That means the safety needs a big year in 2025 if he wants to secure his big raise. If anybody has a chip on his shoulder going into this season, it's him. Based on the signs we're already seeing, he is dead serious about it.
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