T.J. Edwards on scheme, Brisker’s energy, and facing rookie Loveland

Ariana Pensy · Correspondent · 1 hour ago

CHICAGO - There has been a lot of criticism of how the offense performed during Chicago’s Family Fest.

While this criticism is well-deserved, it should not overshadow the fact that the defense had a strong day even if they had some mistakes as well.

“In general, the team, we operate to a certain standard and so, I think for the most part, they have their times. But, there’s also things that, we’re getting lined up late. There’s always things that we can be better with and I think as a defense, you want to cause as much chaos as you can while being simple in what you’re doing,” linebacker T.J. Edwards said. “Again, we have so many battles already in practice where we got a good feel for what they do a little bit. But, (head coach) Ben (Johnson) , he’s always throwing some different things in there to kind of mix it up as well and (defensive coordinator Dennis Allen) is going to continue to install. We’re going to continue to do a bunch of different things to see what works and I think for the most part, we’re doing a decent job handling it.”

Allen has been trying various packages throughout training camp to analyze each player’s versatility in the offense. However, that also leads to some uncertainty regarding whether Edwards will be used at Mike or Will. The first depth chart lists Edwards as the starting weakside linebacker with Tremaine Edmunds as the starting Mike linebacker.

Nonetheless, that does not mean that is definitely where each player will end up.

“I think we’re both, Tremaine and I, are still doing both and honestly, it really helps us learn the defense and just understand big picture-wise what we’re doing,” Edwards said. “I think we’re both comfortable in either role and as we start getting closer here, those things start to get determined and decided in that way.”

For most of last season, Chicago was missing their starting safety Jaquan Brisker because he was in concussion protocol. However, he is back in training camp and is the exact same as before as far as his energy level and physicality.

Brisker is currently listed as one of Chicago’s starting safeties for this season on the depth chart.

“Brisk is constant energy at all times. Practice is at 8:30 in the morning. So, he’s already out there at 8 a.m. screaming and getting ready and doing all that, which you need,” Edwards said. “You need a guy like that (and) obviously, in terms of physicality and what he brings, he’s a great backend force in that way and I think him and Kevin Byard play well off each other as well. So, it’s been good to see him back for sure.”

On the other side of the ball, tight end Colston Loveland is currently the only rookie listed as a starter on the depth chart. From what Edwards said about him, it is understandable why.

Loveland has been working hard and challenging the defense throughout training camp since he has been able to practice.

“He’s a good kid. He works hard. All he does is just put his head down and go to work and obviously, he’s got good leaders in that room with (tight end) Cole (Kmet) and guys like that,” Edwards said. “So, and he challenges us everyday. That whole room, it’s a really good, really good matchups for us and everyday, we get to see where we’re at with those guys.”