As Pro Football Focus continues ranking each NFL position group, they currently have the Chicago Bears linebackers at 14th overall. Here’s what the site had to say:
"In two seasons with Chicago, Edmunds has posted a below-average 57.5 PFF overall grade.
T.J. Edwards played very well in 2023 but notched a career-worst 60.7 PFF overall grade last season."
Did the Bears deserve their 14th ranking from PFF?
The biggest knock is on Tremaine Edmunds, who PFF has graded out as below average, and most Bears fans would agree with that assessment. The real issue is that he's being paid like one of the top linebackers in the NFL, yet performing like someone who shouldn't have his job locked down. While his size allows him to disrupt passing lanes, he still struggles to diagnose the run and doesn’t excel when playing downhill.
What makes things more concerning is that Edmunds was signed specifically because Matt Eberflus felt his skill set was essential to the defense. Of course, Eberflus is no longer with the team.
So, he is coming off two disappointing seasons and will now face a scheme change. New defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has a track record of turning around some defenders, but Edmunds will be a challenge.
T.J. Edwards is the one holding this group up, but even PFF noted that his 2024 season was a step back from his strong 2023. That’s another point most Bears fans would likely agree with. Still, Edwards probably played better than his grade suggests, even if he wasn't at his previous level.
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This duo still carries plenty of name recognition, and that feels like the main reason for their mid-tier ranking. There’s also the benefit of the doubt that last season’s issues were systemic and that Dennis Allen could help turn things around. But right now, this unit looks far better on paper than it has on the field.