Justin Jones Talked All Sorts Of S**t After Bears Preseason Opener

One thing that has become clear throughout the past few months is that defensive tackle Justin Jones has embraced the role of agitator for the Chicago Bears defense. That became obvious when he called out Green Bay Packers fans for being the worst he's ever encountered in his career. He is entirely unapologetic about his comments too. The guy is a true trash talker; probably the first this team has had in years. It was on display again after the Bears' preseason-opening win over the Tennessee Titans.

It was a great day for the defense. After allowing an opening drive TD, aided by a questionable non-fumble call, the group allowed only ten points the rest of the day. That included zero in the second half. They also had eight sacks and four takeaways. What stuck out the most was the energy, effort, and efficiency everybody played with. It was a taste of things to come in Jones' mind. His confidence came through like a noonday sun when speaking to Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago.

“This s--t will be locked down," defensive tackle Justin Jones told NBC Sports Chicago after the win. "The defense will be complete. It’s locked down. I’m more excited now, just having seen everybody come out here and try to hit somebody, especially our young guys. It’s exciting because they are about to witness what we are about to do to.”

Jones knows the real defense wasn't present on Saturday.

Tremaine Edmunds, Yannick Ngakoue, DeMarcus Walker, and Jaquan Brisker all sat out with minor injuries. Once they're ready to go, people will see how dangerous this new group will be.

“Sky is the limit with this group I feel like," Jones told NBC Sports Chicago. "We got some scary, scary f---ing guys. And I feel like everybody is on the same page, everybody is really genuine, and everybody really wants to see each other win. I feel like that’s going to be the glue. We go as our defense goes, and I feel like we’re on the right track, especially once we get everyone back. It’s going to be scary.”

Justin Jones is eager to wipe away memories of 2022.

It was a rough year for the defense, especially up front. The defensive line managed only ten sacks (Jones had three) and was part of the 31st-ranked run defense in the NFL. This season should be a lot different. Walker and Ngakoue combined for 16.5 sacks last season. Andrew Billings is a quality run-plugger. Edmunds and T.J. Edwards are massive upgrades at linebacker. While maybe not an elite group, this front seven should be miles better from what it was last year. That is before getting into the secondary.

Eddie Jackson showed he is still an All-Pro-caliber safety. Jaylon Johnson is a steady and dependable corner. Jaquan Brisker was one of the best rookie defenders in the entire league. Kyler Gordon had a strong finish to the season and has looked untouchable in camp. All of that while seeing 2nd round pick Tyrique Stevenson flourish at the other corner spot. This is a young, fast, and athletic group with boatloads of upside. Justin Jones is right. If things progress as hoped, this will be a formidable defense.