Chicago Bears: 5 X-factors for beating the Vikings in Week 10

1. Eddie Jackson, Safety

So, if Smith helps shut down Cook, Mack has a chance to wreak havoc and pressure Cousins. If that happens, then the secondary has a chance at multiple turnovers. If they get some interceptions, they give the offense a short field to play. Also, they give themselves a shot at helping the offense score points.

Eddie Jackson is the key here. He has a knack for always being around the football. Moving back to free safety, he’s able to be around the ball and make plays. He has yet to officially intercept a pass, but he’s had two pick-sixes wiped out because of penalties. He does have a fumble returned for a touchdown, however.

We see that the Vikings’ offensive philosophy is to depend on Cook and have Cousin’s throws to a minimum. If the Bears indeed slow down Cook and force Cousins to throw more, he’ll certainly give Jackson and company a chance at interceptions.

Teams are starting to learn not to target Jackson too much. Future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady did not throw a pass Jackson’s way when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers played the Bears in Week 5. Despite not being thrown at, Jackson still finds a way to find the ball and make a play.

Jackson will get the opportunity to create turnovers. He needs to take advantage of that and give the offense a short field to score. Better yet, he should just do the job himself and score for the offense. That might be a better option.