Edwards on defensive chemistry, Eberflus’ “hits principle” |
CHICAGO—Linebacker T.J. Edwards is entering his second season with the Chicago Bears. At this point last year, it was clear the defense lacked chemistry, in part because numerous players missed time with injury.
Now that everyone has had a season to build that chemistry with not too much changing on the defensive side of the ball, that chemistry is stronger than ever. “Chemistry is something that’s big in this league, understanding how guys up front are going to play, understanding just how the d-line fits certain things and honestly at backer, knowing how we’re fitting every play. I think from this point last year to this year, it was a way different ball game,” Edwards said. “So, I think our comfort level is just so much better. Have a good comfort level with the coaches, understand the scheme fully and getting those new guys acclimated and ready to go. So I think honestly, just the comfort level, the chemistry that we’ve built through an offseason now and just the understanding of how our guys play.” Edwards’ second year as a quarterback is also his second year working with head coach Matt Eberflus’ defensive scheme. While the addition of defensive coordinator Eric Washington has some effect on the scheme, the linebacker position continues to be an essential part of the scheme and sets him up for success. “His hits principle is big and I think when you first get here, you have to kind of see it to kind of understand what it’s supposed to look like. But now having guys who’ve been here for two, three years and guys who can watch tape from last year of the same guys doing it, it’s something that you know what’s expected of you when you get here and that’s not just on the field. That’s off the field too of knowing what you’re supposed to be doing, kind of having an understanding of the game and your IQ of the game is big. But, that’s Flus through and through. The run and hit, being smart, the intensity and taking the ball away,” Edwards said. “I think in this system, you definitely need to have a feel for it a little bit. You definitely need to understand it as much as you can, just like any system. But, this is a place where you need to run and hit at backer and be around the ball and want to be a part of every single play and things like that where you could be backside for a (pass) play, but you got to sprint to get to that ball because you don’t know what’s going to happen. So, kind of just having that in your mind and kind of built into your system, I think, is one thing that (linebackers) in this system have thrived in the past.” Roster cuts are always difficult for any team, but for Edwards, they strike a different chord. Edwards was an undrafted player who had to fight for a roster spot with the Philadelphia Eagles. While he was able to get that opportunity, other players are not as fortunate. Recognizing that Edwards has a soft spot for undrafted players because he can relate to their struggle to get on a roster. “I have a soft spot for undrafted guys. I understand how they feel. You’re not getting a ton of reps in practice to prove yourself,” Edwards said. “You’re not getting a ton of reps in the games to prove yourself. So, you just kind of have to do it every single snap you’re out there. But, that’s kind of one thing that I always just kind of look back to and try to help those guys and help any rookies as much as I can.” Because Chicago's final preseason game was on a Thursday, they have a little more time between it and the start of the regular season against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Sept. 8 (Noon / FOX). Perhaps that longer gap is part of why Edwards is sick of going against the offense and is ready for Tennessee. “I feel like it’s hit that point where I’m honestly sick of seeing our offense a little bit to be honest. I know the rest of the defense feels the same way,” Edwards said. “But, it’s the grind. That’s what it is. But, I’ll take this good weekend here, reset for a second and then here we go.”
