Lance Briggs tells Jon Bostic not to think too much, let athleticism take over

Chicago Bears inside linebacker Jon Bostic (57) during the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Soldier Field. Chicago won 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bears rookie MLB Jon Bostic will be making his first career start this week with D.J. Williams on the injured reserve with a torn left pectoral. Bostic actually briefly challenged the dependable but injury-prone veteran for a starting gig in training camp, and he will be the starter the rest of the way this season. Since Williams is in a contract year and Bostic is the rookie and MLB of the future, hopefully he can seize this opportunity and become a solid starter for the Chicago Bears for the foreseeable future.

It’s easy to love Bostic, because he was a key player for one of college football’s best defenses last season while on the Florida Gators. He and Jelani Jenkins (fellow rookie who now plays for the Miami Dolphins) formed a dynamic duo, and Bostic was a crucial leader on the Gators defense. He recorded 67 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and three sacks last season as a senior.

Current Bears star LB Lance Briggs knows a thing or two about having a ton of success as a long-time starter at LB in this league, and he already has 56 tackles, two sacks, and two fumbles forced this season as a 32-year-old on pace for his ninth career season with over 100 total tackles.

He told Bostic not to think too much and to just let his overall athletic ability take over, “You don’t want to think too much when you’re on the field. That’s what practice is for; getting that kind of stuff down, getting your keys, your reaction, being as sharp as you can. Once you get into the game, you just read and react. You allow your athletic ability to take over.”

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