TJ Edwards on defense: “We want to just start hot” |
LAKE FOREST, I.L. - Chicagoland native linebacker TJ Edwards was a critical piece in the Bears’ defensive domination in the second half of last season. Edwards finished last season in the top-10 in solo tackles (91, No. 8 in the NFL) and total tackles (155, No. 7 in the NFL).
With such an elite defense, it is important they challenge everyone on the offense, including rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, since training camp and throughout the regular season. “I think our biggest thing that we can do at practice is challenge everyone, challenge each other because that’s how we’re going to get better. That’s how we’re going to get to where we want to get to. But I’m just excited to get out there, even just walking in the building and seeing everybody, and kind of that energy is building up. But, the practice field is where it’s at. So, that’s where the magic happens,” Edwards said. “So, getting out there and working out all the kinks and then getting to it because the best competition we have is our offense, and we’re excited for it. So, we’re going to get out there and compete because that’s what we do.” Last season, Chicago’s defense was riddled with injuries in the first half of the season. Those injuries were part of the reason the defense did not gel because they were not able to develop on-field chemistry. However, something changed when the Bears traded for edge rusher Montez Sweat. Once Sweat joined the team, Chicago’s defense was one of the best in the league, and they finished the regular season leading the league in interceptions with 22. That is why it is so important for Edwards and the rest of the defense to start hot right at the beginning of the season. “For us, we want to just start hot. I felt like (linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and I) both agreed that we kind of got off to a slower start, and we just want to hit the ground running. Football is such a humbling game because every play, you need to be on your Ps and Qs. But, I think with us, we see the game the same way. We see how it’s supposed to look,” Edwards said. “I think for us, we want to continue, obviously, just being the center of the defense. The communication is key at our position. But, takeaways change games for sure. So, being around the ball as much as we can and starting to do that early on for sure.” Training camp is already starting out with more attention than ever before. Besides all of the lingering questions about how the pieces of Chicago’s offense will gel, the Bears will be making their first appearance on HBO’s Hard Knocks with the first episode set to premiere Tues. Aug. 6 (8 p.m./Max). Even with the added media presence, Edwards maintains the team is there to do their job, but says it is going to be a lot of fun. “We’re here for a job, and we’re here to get better every single day. But also, enjoy our time here and work as hard as we possibly can and get to where we want to get to. But, to kind of give people insight on what’s going on, I think it’s cool,” Edwards said. “We got some characters on this team. So, it’ll be fun for people to see their true personalities and I think us just going out there through the grind of camp and seeing the guys who still keep that energy. It’s going to be a lot of fun for sure.” The regular season starts for Chicago on Sun. Sept. 8 against the Tennessee Titans (Noon / FOX). This game will also serve as their home opener in Soldier Field.
