Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn has been one of the most pleasant surprises during what’s been a rough season. The undrafted rookie has impressed at middle linebacker since Roquan Smith was traded to the Ravens.
Sanborn has taken full advantage of his opportunity, where he’s totaled 59 tackles, including five for a loss, two sacks and a fumble recovery this season, most of which happened during his five starts.
“Sanborn’s been good,” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said Monday. “He’s been consistent with his play. When I talk to linebackers, it’s about hits on the ball. Can you affect the ball? Are you tackling? Are you punching the ball? Are you taking the ball away? He’s had a lot of tackles. He’s improved his tackling; last week, I thought his tackling was better. I would say his ball production probably needs to improve.
“As a rookie to be able to handle, you know, the huddle and be able to make calls and adjustments along the way. That’s been pretty cool for him, for us to watch that.”
For Sanborn, he’s looking to take his play to the next level when it comes to forcing the kind of impact plays — the “T” — that define Eberflus’ H.I.T.S. principle.
“I think one of them is really just kind of punching the ball, forcing fumbles,” Sanborn said Monday of increasing ball production. “That’s something that we preach it and we do it so much in practice. It does translate to the game. I’m talking about me, specifically. It does translate to the game. But at the same time, I think there are a couple times where an extra punch here and there maybe could jar the ball loose. That’s enough to change the game.”
As the 2022 regular season winds down, all eyes are looking to the future. And it’s hard not to wonder if Sanborn’s impressive play will ultimately lead way to a permanent starting role in 2023.
For Sanborn, he’s looking to continue to improve over these final four games of the season.
“I just want to continue to get better, continue to do my job and do it at a really high level,” Sanborn said. “A lot of things can go into that. A lot of things can show that, but that’s kinda what I’m focused on. Then, getting a win. Helping this team win games. That’s what I’m here for and that’s what I want to do.”
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