One of the things the Chicago Bears made an emphasis this offseason was to revamp the defense. Two of their impactful signings were linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards.
Even at 0-4, both players have been big pieces of the defense covering the middle of the field. The line is getting no pressure, allowing plays to make it to the second level of the defense. It’s been such a workload that both players are in the Top 10 for tackles in the NFL. Edwards is 2nd with 51 and Edmunds is 10th with 39.
Even at this rate there is still room for improvement, especially for Edmunds. He has been responsible for many blown coverages in the middle of the field that have led to scores.
Just like any NFL list these days, there is always a former Bear on it. This leaderboard has former Bears linebacker Roquan Smith in 6th place with 43 tackles.
While the league can criticize the Bears for giving up a star talent in Smith, and fairly so, it's worth noting the presence Edwards and Edmunds have on defense. For the same dollars Smith was signed to in Baltimore, the Bears added two impact linebackers.
Hopefully the Edmunds and Edwards duo will get more recognition when the Bears finally improve their defensive line. As of now, the line is not getting the job done and forcing the Bears' linebackers to work overtime on the defensive side.
More must-reads: