Why Eddie Jackson Thinks Ryan Poles Is Building Something “Special”

Eddie Jackson has experienced the full range of emotions as a member of the Chicago Bears. He arrived right at the tail end of the rebuild under former GM Ryan Pace in 2017. The following year he helped the organization to its first division title in eight years. Then he had to witness the rapid decay of a once-great roster as it became clear the team’s quarterback situation wasn’t sustainable. Now he finds himself in the midst of another rebuild, this time under new GM Ryan Poles. It would be easy for the veteran safety to be cynical at this point.

He’s heard all the promises before. It is hard to trust people when they don’t come to fruition. Yet that isn’t the case with Jackson. He has watched what Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus have worked tirelessly to construct over the past two off-seasons. After returning to practice this month from his foot injury last season, the Pro Bowler is confident of one thing. The vibe with this version of the Bears is different. Poles has it figured out. What he is building has the chance to be special.

He explained why during his press conference on Tuesday.

Eddie Jackson can see the big picture.

He now understands why Poles has been targeting specific traits in every player he acquires. He wants great athletes with size and speed, sure. However, he and Eberflus have made sure to identify guys with a great passion for the game. They want high-energy players that work hard. The belief is that having an entire roster of such players elevates the team to consistent success. Jackson even admitted last year lacked such a presence. That changed after Poles’ flurry of moves in March and April.

Guys like Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, DeMarcus Walker, and Gervon Dexter have clearly brought the intensity up several notches. It’s the same on the offensive side with new arrivals like D.J. Moore and Darnell Wright. Every practice is operated at full speed. Nobody sits on their helmets. Guys hold each other accountable. That is something Eddie Jackson hasn’t seen in a long time, and he can sense it’s leading somewhere. If Poles sticks to this plan, the Bears will be a team nobody wants to play in the near future.