An “X-factor” refers to a player with a special talent or quality. For the Chicago Bears, their X-factor player is someone you wouldn’t expect. Aside from the quarterback, the Bears’ true X-factor is someone who is on the field for the majority of the snaps and whose absence would significantly impact the team. Given these criteria, one player stands out from the rest.
Bears X-Factor Is Not Who You Expect
What Makes This Bears Player the Team’s X-Factor
Looking at the Bears roster and considering each player’s importance to the team, linebacker T.J. Edwards stands out as a player who’s indispensable to the team. Edwards played in 97.20% of the Bears defensive snaps, with the following highest being safety Jaquan Brisker at 83.57%. The substantial difference shows that the Bears could be in trouble without Edwards on the field. The phrase “the best ability is availability” also highlights how vital Edwards is to the Bears defense.
It’s not just Edwards’ availability that makes him the Bears’ X-factor; it’s also his innate ability to be everywhere on defense. The hometown sensation had 155 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, three interceptions, and eight QB hits. Although Edwards may not receive the national recognition he deserves, he stands out as Ryan Poles’ top free-agent signing, proving his worth in just one season with the Bears.
TJ Edwards might be the most underrated and underpaid linebackers in the NFL. He's one of the poster children for Instincts >>>> Athleticism (2.75 RAS) at the position #Bears pic.twitter.com/xzvlqXoT5k
— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) May 16, 2024
What to Expect Next Season
Let’s hope T.J. Edwards doesn’t sustain an injury next season because if he does, it’ll be noticeable on defense. Not just in the defensive efficiency of the team. There would be a lack of leadership on defense.
Having Edwards anchoring the middle of the field is essential in more ways than one for the Bears. The rest of the Bears defense can shine due to Edwards’ work behind the scenes, covering tight ends and running backs and predicting where the pass is heading.
There are high expectations that the Bears will boast a top-five defense in the NFL, largely due to Edwards’ consistency on the field. He is one of the few linebackers in the league with a PFF grade of 75 or higher in both pass coverage and run defense. If Edwards continues to be an all-around defensive asset, the Bears could become one of the NFL’s most formidable defensive units.
Offensive X-Factor for the Bears
If T.J. Edwards is the Bears X-factor on defense, who’s the X-factor on offense? Aside from the quarterback, the same qualifications matter. For the Bears, an unlikely face was on the field for 99.56% of the snaps last season and was one of the most impressive players on the field. Bears OT Darnell Wright went from first-round rookie to the 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team. He has a chance to become one of the best tackles in the league and is on the same trajectory as Lions All-Pro Penei Sewell. A dependable offensive lineman is vital to success for a young team, especially with a rookie quarterback. The Bears have a recent history of o-line problems, but adding Wright is the first step in the right direction.
Main Image: Jamie Sabau – USA Today Sports
