The Chicago Bears had arguably the best defense in all of football last season. As 2019 quickly approaches, Eddie Jackson believes his team's defense is poised to take another step forward – and perhaps challenge one of the most hallowed units in NFL history for franchise bragging rights.

During a Friday appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio, the reigning First Team All-Pro not only predicted the Bears would have the league's best defense “across the board” this season, but also made clear he believes they fare favorably to Chicago's legendary 1985 defense.

“I'll go right now for our defense to be No. 1 across the board. Like I told 'em earlier, shouts out to the '85 Bears, but we want to top everything they've done,” Jackson said.

Reaching that esteemed level of play would be especially impressive considering the Bears lost long-time defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to the Denver Broncos over the offseason. While there's inevitably an acclimation period required for new defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano, if Jackson's word is any indication, Chicago stands to reap the benefits of his more aggressive approach.

“As far as scheme, man, we're a little more aggressive. It's about the same; it's not a big difference,” he said. “Coach Pagano is more vocal than Coach Vic. Right now, I could say he's more uppity. Coach Vic is more mellow, laid back, and chill. But he's smart – they're both smart. They can tell you anything inside-out about an offense. For us right now, it's just to buy in, to keep our heads down, and keep working, and to just have his back, because he's showing us he has ours – on and off the field.”

Led by Jackson and Defensive Player of the Year runner-up Khalil Mack, the Bears finished last season first in points allowed, third in yards allowed, and third in takeaways.