The Chicago Bears got out of the win over the Carolina Panthers last Sunday with few setbacks. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a clean escape. News came out that safety Jaquan Brisker, who is having the best start to a season in his career, suffered a concussion and will miss the game in London this weekend. It is a setback for a defense that has stayed healthy since the season began. Head coach Matt Eberflus stated that Elijah Hicks, the team’s former 7th round pick, would replace him against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
When asked what happened, the Bears head coach seemed to unload a little frustration. Based on what he saw from the play that caused the injury, Brisker did everything right. He came in with his shoulder lowered and head adjusted to the side. It is the exact tackling technique Eberflus has taught for almost 30 years. However, the offensive player (tight end Tommy Tremble) came in with his helmet lowered, initiating the collision that resulted in the concussion. Despite recent rule changes, no penalty was called.
The only solace was that Brisker’s hit created a forced fumble that the Bears recovered.
The NFL has been cracking down on defensive players’ tackles for years. Recently, they tightened the noose even further by banning the hip-drop tackle. It is hard playing defense in today’s NFL, especially when the league refuses to protect players on that side of the ball. Offensive players not being allowed to lead with their helmets was supposed to be an important change to help prevent concussions. Yet the rule is rarely enforced. Brisker is the latest who had to pay the price.
It is easy to understand why Matt Eberflus is grumbling. One of his best players is out for an important game because another player was poorly coached and the refs do an even poorer job enforcing the rules. It might explain why the Bears head coach had no qualms about trying to run up the score on Carolina towards the end of the game. The good news is Brisker will have plenty of time to recover with the bye next week.
