Brisker wants Bears to make playoffs, be an All-Pro and Pro-Bowler |
CHICAGO - Going into his third season as a safety for the Chicago Bears, Jaquan Brisker has seen a lot change. Back in his rookie season, the Bears only won three games. Now, they have a realistic chance to win the division and make a playoff run.
Furthermore, Chicago has brought in talent on both sides of the ball; on the defense, that talent is at all levels. “It’s a huge difference. My first year, I feel like I really didn’t know too many people at all. This year, especially what we did in the offseason, I know those guys. I know their backgrounds and things like that. I know where they come from and we know each other’s story, which is why we could play for each other and plus we played with each other last year and then we added a couple pieces this year,” Brisker said. “So, it just makes it even more special. So, I feel like this year, we got guys everywhere. You look at the left and right corner, the backers to the d-line, the safeties, there’s guys everywhere. So, compared to my first year, I know the guys and everybody’s playmakers.” Last season, Brisker missed two weeks with a concussion, and numerous other players also missed time. Now, because most of the defense has remained healthy during training camp, the defense has been able to develop chemistry to pick up where they left off at the end of last season. Building this chemistry is especially important for Brisker who has a new safety to work with in veteran Kevin Byard. “The chemistry is great. Guys getting turnovers, guys are having a lot of energy out there,” Brisker said. “So, I’m not really too worried about the defensive chemistry or anything like that. I feel like we’re right where we need to be. We (continue) to get better.” Head coach Matt Eberflus’ first full season as the defensive play caller for Chicago will begin this season, although he did call the defensive plays for 16 games last season. Based on how the defense looked in the preseason, the addition of defensive coordinator Eric Washington seems to have brought about more blitzes. “I feel like we’ll be balanced but definitely aggressive,” Brisker said. “We got that type of defense, especially with the corners. They can cover and then our safeties could cover also. But they can make plays on the ball. So, I feel it (will) be balanced.” After seeing Chicago at their lowest as a three-win team his rookie year, Brisker has high hopes for what the Bears will be able to do this season. In addition, after seeing his teammate, cornerback Jaylon Johnson, get selected to his first Pro Bowl and receive second-team All-Pro honors, Brisker has a similar goal for himself this season. However, making the playoffs is the top priority. “Really, make the playoffs. That’s my goal and then everything else (will) handle itself on my side,” Brisker said. “So, just make the playoffs and then All-Pro, Pro Bowl, things like that.” Chicago’s playoff journey will start on Sunday, Sept. 8, when they face off against the Tennessee Titans (Noon / FOX). The Bears defense will face a greater challenge the following week when they face the reigning AFC South champions, the Houston Texans, on Sunday, Sept. 15 (7:20 p.m. / NBC).
