Since the start of the offseason program, the defensive linemen have worked on honing their fundamentals and techniques. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen explained the rationale to reporters last month during rookie minicamp.
“We focused so much on installing the scheme last year because it was brand new, and we do have a high volume of things we carry in the defense,” Allen said. “We focused so much on that, we lost sight of some of the fundamentals and techniques that it takes to function. I don’t think we were as fundamentally sound defensively as we need to be. So how do we have to coach it better? Well, let’s minimize how much we’re focused on the scheme, OK, and let’s focus not on what we’re going to do, but how we’re going to do it. I think that’s how we’re going to improve.”
The different approach has been evident to Jarrett.
“You could feel it from Day 1 of this program,” he said. “We really, really took it to the basics and I think it’s been super helpful. We can see the progress of it on the field already. It’s just the way we speak to each other, speak through what’s expected, the details of whether it’s stance or finishing at the ball how we need to.”
Although Jarrett is entering his 12th NFL season (and second with the Bears), he still believes that he can improve as a player and is not above being coached.
“Guys that don’t [accept coaching] don’t make it to Year 12,” Jarrett said. “You always have to be coachable. You’ve always got to make adjustments. Whenever you see people who are the best at what they do, they’re always trying to get better. That’s why you see guys like LeBron James playing 23 years, working year-round. Derek Jeter played for however long he did, always looking at the small things. It’s just humbling yourself and thinking: ‘Why not try to be the best you can be every day?'”
As Jarrett’s knee improved late last year, he gained confidence and began playing better. As he prepares for the 2026 season, he intends to pick up where he left off.
“It’s exciting to be feeling a lot better this year,” Jarrett said. “I know that I owe Chicago a better year and I’m excited to go do that.”