Fresh off signing a contract extension this offseason, Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards will now work quickly to get adjusted to his new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
Considered to be one of the anchors of the defense, the chemistry between Edwards and Allen will be key to success for the defense as a whole, and Allen has already shown his creativity by putting the veteran linebacker in versatile situations.
Moving Edwards and fellow linebacker Tremaine Edmunds around during the opening days of training camp, Allen wants his two cornerstones to be able to do all they can to make them even more dangerous against opponents. Earlier this week, Edwards described how the veteran coach not only puts his unit in a spot to deliver, but for the players to put it on themselves to produce.
“Being with him for the offseason a little bit now, in this camp, I like his expectation,” Edwards said. “It’s set from the start. He wants to dictate terms and take his chances. As a defense, you love that. The onus is on the player. Now it’s on us to win our matchups and go get it. Obviously, he has his wrinkles and things like that, but I think we’ll get into X’s and O’s as we go. Mentality wise and where he’s coming from, you can appreciate it for sure.”
Edwards and Edmunds have been cornerstones for the Bears defense since arriving in Chicago, totaling over 100 tackles in each of their first two seasons with the team. With Allen moving them both around on defense, and bringing out more of their versatility, they both could be in line for increased production this season.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears LB T.J. Edwards explains why he likes playing in a Dennis Allen defense
Reporting by Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
