Coming off of a 5-12 season, the Chicago Bears still need to prove they can be true playoff contenders, despite all of their offseason hype. However, one of Chicago’s newest additions has bought in completely and think the Bears are headed in a Super Bowl trajectory.
Guard Jonah Jackson was acquired from the Los Angeles Rams for a sixth-round pick. Playing for Ben Johnson during their time with the Detroit Lions, it’s no question the head coach was banging the table for the offensive line. His addition started a domino effect that led to the trade for Joe Thuney and signing of guard Drew Dalman.
Chicago’s new offensive line must gel together perfectly for the Bears to get back on track. But Jackson remains extremely confident that sooner rather than later, Chicago will be competing for a Super Bowl, via GoLongTD.
“All that matters is how you bounce back,” Jackson told GoLongTD.com. “I’m excited to get back to it and string a full season together and get a damn ring.”
“Screw the personal accolades,” he said. “It’s to win it all. The Bears are such a historic franchise and they’ve been there before. We’re excited to be a part of a turnaround. I’ve been a part of a turnaround before and we can definitely do it again.”
What Jonah Jackson offers Chicago Bears
Jackson entered the 2024 campaign with high expectations after signing a $51 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams. However, a fractured scapula held the guard out of all but four games. Jackson struggled in those contests too, as he earned just a 67.5 grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 40/135 guards.
However, his injury came in Week 2. Out for the majority of the campaign, it would’ve been difficult for Jackson to come in and truly dominate in a new scheme. Especially when the Rams were playing him out of position at center. Ultimately, his one-year stint with the Rams didn’t go how anyone planned.
But now on the Bears, Johnson has confirmed that Jackson will be returning to his natural guard position; on the right side to be exact. He was named to the Pro Bowl under the head coach in 2021. While that is nearly half a decade removed by now, it at least shows that Johnson knows how to truly utilize Jackson.
Ultimately though, it’ll be up to the guard to prove himself. The Bears are exuding with confidence, but Jackson must show he is the right fit in Chicago to hold onto the starting job long-term.
Getting Bears back into playoff contention
Every team in the league is looking to win the Super Bowl, no matter what their record was the previous year. However, it’s one thing to have hopes and another to be truly involved in the conversation. The Bears haven’t been active Super Bowl contenders for over two decades.
Chicago last made the playoffs in 2020. However, their last playoff win came all the way back in 2010. The 2018 season was their only postseason appearance between those two campaigns, but like 2020, the Bears lost in the Wild Card Round.
The postseason will certainly be on Johnson’s mind as he steps into the Windy City. However, the first step is setting an actual foundation. Playoffs aside, the Bears have just three seasons with a win percentage over .500 since 2010. Chicago is desperate for some actual results.
Jackson and company are looking to provide just that. The guard won’t do it on his own, but he is a part of Chicago’s new crucial blocking scheme. Come Week 1, the Bears will be thrown into the fire and forced to prove they’re legit this time around.
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