Seems Jaquan Brisker Doesn't Mind Testing Practice Rules For Physicality

The Chicago Bears made the news recently when the NFL docked them an OTA practice last Tuesday for what they deemed excessive physicality during some of their practices in May. That is part of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Players are not allowed full contact until in pads during training camp. One can understand the rule. It is meant to limit injuries as much as possible. Head coach Matt Eberflus wasn't fined for the violation. The interesting question is which players may have been guilty of the infraction. Based on a recent account, it wouldn't be shocking if Jaquan Brisker was one of them. Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune hinted at this when she revealed a moment during Wednesday's practice following the NFL's punishment ruling. It certainly doesn't seem like the rookie feared repercussions.

"Safety Jaquan Brisker collided with wide receiver Velus Jones on a play in the flat for a pass breakup, with both players going to the ground, but that was about the only notable contact that teams are supposed to avoid in rules collectively bargained for the purpose of player safety."

One of the biggest teaching points coaches get on players about is don't end up on the ground. That is the best way to avoid infractions from NFLPA officials that might be watching. So for Brisker to come in with enough force to knock both Jones and himself to the ground is hard to ignore. Some may see it as reckless. The Bears probably see it as one example of who the 2nd round pick is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WYfrmO3MSc&t=410s&ab_channel=JustBombsProductions

Jaquan Brisker brought a physical reputation with him from college.

One doesn't call somebody a "forceful striker" because he likes bowling. The young man was a tone-setter for Penn State. While he wasn't reckless as a hitter, he'd take every opportunity to deliver a strong blow to opponents. He loves letting them know it will be a painful experience every time they come into his orbit. It seems he doesn't mind sending that same message to teammates. That is part of how he plays. No wonder Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus gravitated to him. Both said they felt this team needed more speed and violence in how it played. Jaquan Brisker checked both of those boxes. They really didn't have any enforcers at safety after Adrian Amos left in 2019. That may finally change with his arrival. The Bears defense is always at its best when it has that physical presence on the back end. Gary Fencik in the 1980s. Mike Brown in the 2000s.

Brisker has that same capability.

The fact he is eager to embrace the role with such enthusiasm is a good thing. One only hopes he can keep it under control until the snitches from the NFLPA aren't watching as closely anymore. This makes it all the more exciting for when he's able to turn that aggression towards opponents starting in September. He couldn't ask for a better setup to do what he does best in a defensive scheme that prioritizes attacking.