UA-59049186-1 2020 Chicago Bears Preview: Safety - Good if it Goes

2020 Chicago Bears Preview: Safety

(Photo credit: AP)

Eddie Jackson returns looking for a third straight Pro Bowl selection. His 2018 was particularly outstanding, as it garnered him All-Pro honors as well. A year ago, his production took a little bit of a hit, as he was often asked to play up near the line of scrimmage with Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix playing the deep role. While Jackson is more than capable up near the line, where he really shines is in that deep role where he can make plays in the passing game. The man known as BoJack was signed to an extension over the off-season, so he’ll be one of the lynchpins of the Bears’ defense for years to come. His ceiling remains Ed Reed 2.0 and a bust in Canton.

Tashaun Gipson comes to Chicago to play the strong safety role and allow BoJack to play to his strengths. Gipson will likely be a little bit of a downgrade from Clinton-Dix in coverage, but is a significant upgrade in run support. From his intro post:

After four seasons in Cleveland to start his career, Gipson was allowed to walk after the 2015 season and signed with Jacksonville. Gipson spent three years there before becoming a cap casualty. Gipson signed with Houston before the 2019 season and was released after it. He’s picked of 23 passes over the course of his 8-year career, taking three of them back for touchdowns.”

Gipson was in one of the position battles in camp with Deon Bush. Reports are that Gipson has won it and will start in Detroit.

Deon Bush returns for his fifth season in the league. After starting six games his rookie year, Bush has only started two games since – the last two games of the 2018 season in relief of an injured Eddie Jackson. Your author has never been particularly high on Bush, though reports out of camp this year were that he was playing quite well. Even so, this space’s official position on Bush is “will believe it when we see it.”

Stephen Denmark moves to safety this year, a position switch your author had been advocating for ever since Denmark was drafted in the seventh round a year ago. Denmark’s tape showed quality ball skills, but not the quick hips required to keep up with NFL receivers. This space is enthusiastic about Denmark’s potential at safety. At the very least, he should be a quality depth piece.

 

Twitter: @KSchroeder_312

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