Chicago Bears' New Linebackers Shine in This Particular Aspect
The Chicago Bears made a bold move when they signed not just T.J. Edwards but also procured a high-priced linebacker in Tremaine Edmunds. Critics are debating whether investing heavily in one position�especially linebacker�is prudent, considering other roles such as cornerback and pass rusher that profoundly impact the forward-passing game currently dominating the NFL.
An observable motivation behind the Chicago Bears' strategy is Matt Eberflus' high regard for the linebacker position in his defense plan. While at Indianapolis, he shifted from Shaq Leonard and Anthony Walker to Leonard and Bobby Okereke, though those were draft choices rather than big-ticket free agent acquisitions.
Eberflus clearly understands the value his veteran linebackers bring�a pairing uniquely adapted for the modern NFL's demands. The challenge for linebackers nowadays lies in managing nimble slot receivers and sizeable, game-changing tight ends within the same field.
And yet, the Chicago Bears can boast of having two of the best. Edwards and Edmunds ranked first and second respectively in yards per target last season�an impressive feat considering neither was in the top 30 for snaps per target. Despite being targeted as often or more than your average linebacker, they excelled at limiting yard gains�a highly advantageous trait.
This can largely be attributed to their skill in forcing incompletions. T.J. Edwards ranked sixth in forced completion rate last season, while Tremaine Edmunds topped the charts. The duo ranks among the best NFL coverage linebackers.
The Bears opted for both, recognizing that their skill sets complement each other perfectly. Tremaine Edmunds excels in coverage due to his impressive size. His ability to operate in the center of the field and drop into the secondary disrupts passing lanes, enabling him to intercept passes that typically bypass linebackers and land in receivers' grasp.
In contrast, T.J. Edwards shines in a more agile, run-and-chase role. He is skilled at interpreting plays and reacting swiftly, disrupting passes before they reach the flat. He turns check-down passes into losses or minor gains. Edwards operates best laterally, while Edmunds dominates in a vertical play�evident in Edmunds having the 10th deepest depth of target against, compared to Edwards ranking 68th.
| POLL | ||
10 JUILLET | 53 ANSWERS Chicago Bears' New Linebackers Shine in This Particular Aspect Will the Bears have a top-10 defense in the league this season? | ||
| Yes | 25 | 47.2 % |
| No | 28 | 52.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
