3 reasons why the Chicago Bears’ loss to Detroit was a positive

2. Jack Sanborn looks like a Chicago Bears franchise cornerstone

Since the Bears traded away Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens, their defense has looked much different. This is a unit that continues to struggle, as a whole, but one young star is beginning to emerge.

Throughout the preseason, fans saw undrafted rookie linebacker Jack Sanborn shine and earn a roster spot. Fans raved about what they saw out of the former Wisconsin Badger, as the guy appeared to be everywhere, doing everything from getting in the backfield, to picking off passes, forcing and recovering fumbles and of course tallying those tackles.

Against the Lions, Sanborn totaled 12 tackles, nine of them being solo, to go along with 2.0 sacks. He also came up with a ridiculous interception which was called back due to a penalty. But, the play in and of itself was reminiscent of a certain Brian Urlacher back in the day. Those who remember Urlacher’s infamous pick against Seattle will know this reference.

After the game, Matt Eberflus spoke highly of the undrafted rookie:

"“He’s very instinctual, makes a lot of plays on the ball, always reads his keys. He’s always on it that way. Yeah, we’re pleased with where he’s going.”"

Although this is a unit in flux, and far from a finished product, Sanborn is cementing himself as a piece in this defense going forward. The Bears may have found themselves a diamond in the rough; a guy they can count on to start for years to come.

At Wisconsin, Sanborn was a monster. He struggled at the Combine, though, which is why his draft stock plummeted. To Bears fans’ bliss, though, he’s looked exactly like the guy who played for Wisconsin last year, only he’s doing it as a pro.