Chicago Bears 2023 Position Review: The investments in linebacker paid off excellently…

The 2023 Chicago Bears season has come to a close, and as we conduct a thorough evaluation of each positional group, it is evident that the investment made in the linebacker position during the offseason has paid off significantly for the team’s defense. General manager Ryan Poles made strategic moves during the early hours of free agency by signing experienced veterans T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds to long-term deals. These signings not only added depth and skill to the linebacker corps but also brought in two seasoned leaders with extensive playoff experience.

Paired with Jack Sanborn, the Bears’ linebacker core demonstrated high-level performance right from the beginning of the season. Edmunds, in particular, found his rhythm as the season unfolded, showcasing his abilities as a reliable presence on the field. Edwards, on a three-year deal worth $19.5M, experienced a notable surge in productivity, achieving a career-high in interceptions and establishing himself as a formidable tackling force.

As the season progressed, the linebacker unit played a pivotal role in the defense’s improvement, ensuring cohesion with the defensive line and secondary. This collaboration resulted in one of the league’s top defenses during the latter half of the season, consistently creating turnovers.

T.J. Edwards emphasized the importance of communication among the players, stating, “We’re going to make sure everyone’s on the same page. Communication is a big part of what we do, and then as linebackers, we always want to be around the ball, no matter what.”

The success of Chicago’s linebackers can be attributed in part to the aggressive play-calling of head coach Matt Eberflus. Edmunds, Edwards, and Sanborn executed plays with speed and freedom, making impactful contributions across the field.

Let’s delve into the individual performances of the linebackers in the 2023 season:

• Tremaine Edmunds: 15 starts, 112 tackles, five tackles for loss, zero sacks, one interception, one forced fumble.
• Jack Sanborn: 10 starts, 65 tackles, seven tackles for loss, one interception, zero forced fumbles.
• T.J. Edwards: 17 starts, 155 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three interceptions, one forced fumble.
• Noah Sewell: 13 games, 9 tackles, zero tackles for loss, zero interceptions, zero forced fumbles.

While the linebacker core delivered stellar performances, there were areas for improvement. The initial six games witnessed communication issues across the defense, with the linebackers struggling to synchronize. However, as the season unfolded, each player found their role, contributing to an overall improvement.

Individually, Sanborn faced challenges with decision-making early in the season, contrasting with the consistent excellence of Edwards and Edmunds. The linebackers encountered difficulties in coverage against elite offenses, particularly in the middle of the field. The addition of Montez Sweat provided essential support, giving the linebackers more time to defend against wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends.

The early struggles were partially attributed to the players’ lack of familiarity with each other. As the season advanced, the entire unit developed better cohesion, overcoming initial hurdles.

Despite a slow start, the linebacker core defined its identity, exceeding initial expectations. Edwards, in particular, played a crucial role, maintaining consistency throughout the season. In pass coverage, the linebackers improved, reading opponents’ routes effectively. In the running game, they demonstrated enhanced gap integrity, diagnosing running lanes efficiently.

The overall grade for the linebacker core was an “A+,” reflecting their rapid progress and contribution to the defense’s cohesiveness. Questions about Edwards and Edmunds fitting into Eberflus’ Tampa 2 scheme were dispelled, as both players adjusted seamlessly, drawing from their experience in a 4-3 defense with previous teams.

Looking ahead to the 2024 season, the expectation is that with a year of experience in Eberflus’ defense, the linebacker trio will continue to excel, potentially elevating the defense to elite status. While there is optimism, the development of Noah Sewell as a quality depth player will be crucial, with expectations for him to become a regular part of the linebacker rotation.

With Edmunds, Edwards, and Sanborn under contract through 2026, 2025, and 2024, respectively, the Bears appear well-positioned for continued high-level production from their linebacker core for the next few seasons. Sewell, as a promising rotational player, is anticipated to contribute meaningfully.

Looking ahead to 2024, the coaching staff faces the task of determining optimal player rotations in various game situations. This includes assessing the best combinations during red zone defenses and recognizing when to switch between starters and backups based on in-game scenarios. The strategic utilization of the linebacker corps will be crucial in maintaining defensive effectiveness.