It’s hard to watch the Chicago Bears’ defense in 2023. It’s almost as frustrating as watching the offense, which makes it easy to understand why the team is 0-2.
There were a few bright spots on defense in Sunday’s 27-17 loss to the Buccaneers, though.
Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who signed a massive four-year, $72 million contract with the Bears in the offseason, had the highest grade of all Bears defenders from Pro Football Focus in Week 2. He scored a 76.9, including a solid 75.2 run defense grade.
Edmunds was all over the field Sunday, totaling 16 tackles, including eight solo stops. Both were team-highs. He has 24 tackles over his first two games with the Chicago Bears.
Defensive tackle Andrew Billings had the second-highest PFF grade for Bears defenders with a 76.7. He earned an elite 90.5 pass-rush grade after totaling six quarterback pressures.
Billings logged 34 snaps and has solidified his role as a starter ahead of the Bears’ pair of rookies, Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens.
Defensive end Dominique Robinson had a solid showing against the Buccaneers on 25 snaps. He scored a 74.4. He finished the game with two quarterback pressures and a pass defended.
Linebacker TJ Edwards warrants recognition as well. He played 62 snaps and was the Chicago Bears’ fourth-highest-graded defender for players who logged at least 25 snaps. He scored a 74.3 and was particularly effective in coverage with a 73.2 grade.
Edwards finished the game second in tackles with 12.
