On and off the field, the Bears defense seems to be building something special.
A talented unit that led the NFL in run defense and tied for the league lead with 22 interceptions last year has excelled throughout training camp.
“For the most part,” said linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, “a lot of guys have been able to be out there, just playing together the whole training camp and kind of just developing that chemistry, that bond that we need to go out there and win games.”
The chemistry the defense has developed is evident on the field, where the unit has not permitted a touchdown in its last nine quarters of preseason action.
“It’s just seeing guys playing fast,” Edmunds said. “That’s chemistry as a whole. The time that we’ve spent outside of the building, the time that we’ve spent in the building, all that stuff goes to us playing fast on Sundays or whichever day we’re playing.
“Guys are hanging out outside the building, going out to eat, maybe you to go the mall, go to the pool, whatever it may be. Guys are finding a way to connect. Guys are finding a way to learn more about the individual.”
That bond has fostered a brotherhood on the Bears defense under coach Matt Eberflus.
“Now that we chilled a little bit more, now I know you more, that trust factor going to the field knowing your brother is going to show up for you and make that play,” Edmunds said. “That’s the game that we play. Just having that experience and being able to do that, it’s going to make this team 10 times better.”
Nickel back Kyler Gordon feels that the chemistry has fueled an “uncommon culture” in the locker room.
“The way that we do talk,” Gordon said, “the way that we positively critique and get on each other, the accountability, the way we hold each other to the standard and stuff like that, we’re on top of it 24/7 really.”
Veteran teammates laud Caleb Williams
Edmunds believes that rookie quarterback Caleb Williams fits perfectly into the team’s chemistry because “he’s his authentic self.”
“I think that’s the No. 1 thing you can do as a leader because he’s in a leadership role,” Edmunds said. “He’s the quarterback of our football team, and when he shows up to be himself, I think guys just naturally gravitate toward that. Obviously, his performance on the field is going to speak for itself, but him as a person, he’s just himself and guys respect that.”
Williams has played three quarters in the Bears’ last two preseason games, completing 10 of 20 passes for 170 yards with no turnovers and a 79.2 passer rating.
“The thing that I’ve learned: he’s a competitor,” Edmunds said. “Ain’t nothing going to slow him down. Something maybe didn’t go his way, but at the end of the day he’s going to come out that next play still talking, still being himself, confidence level still high, and he’s ready to ball. And that’s what I respect most, man, because a baller wants to play with a baller.”