Bears defense braces for Vikings, Parsons' trade shakes up NFC North

Ariana Pensy · Correspondent · 5 hours ago

CHICAGO - The countdown to the regular season opener is on as the Bears start their season on Mon. Sept. 8 (7:15 p.m. / ABC).

While linebacker Tremaine Edmunds said the Bears have not gotten into many of the details in their game plan yet, he said Chicago is looking at some of the preseason film to get an idea of how to prepare for Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, since this will be his first NFL regular-season game.

“Just for me and as far as the team as well, obviously, you watch a little bit of preseason. You may look at a little bit of stuff from last year as well. But, it’s always kind of hard going against a new quarterback just because they don’t have a lot of film out there. So, we just got to take the little things that we pick up here and there and things that may have carried over, whether it’s preseason, it’s last year,” Edmunds said.

“They still have some of the same guys. So, even if you studying guys versus tendencies, what they like to do because obviously going into a new year, playing against new people, it’s not going to be the same. So, studying Sam Darnold isn’t going to be the same as studying J.J. So, it’s a little bit different. But, first game, first couple games, obviously going against new quarterbacks and stuff like that, you’re going to come across new things. So, you got to trust your technique and trust your fundamentals and what you do as a defense (scheme-wise).”

With new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, Edmunds is expected to take on a different role this year, as Allen has had linebacker T.J. Edwards play in the Mike linebacker role more. Furthermore, Allen is expected to utilize various personnel combinations throughout the season to confuse opposing offenses.

Regardless of how his role differs or how often he is on the field, Edmunds said he will approach his game preparation the same way and will always strive for perfection.

“My approach each time I step on the field is the same way. Obviously, we always strive for perfection. If we are going to get perfection, that’s one thing. But, I’ve always been a guy that that’s my standard and I always hold myself to that standard,” Edmunds said. “But, obviously, sometimes things don’t always go the way that you want it to go, whatever it may be. I think just my whole approach is always to have my head down and keep grinding.”

Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones shocked the NFL when he elected to trade one of the NFL’s most talented defensive players, Micah Parsons. For Bears fans, this news was especially shocking since Parsons is now a member of the Green Bay Packers.

Prior to the trade, the NFC North was considered the NFL’s most competitive division. With Parsons now part of the mix, this division promises to be even more competitive than last season.

“It’s definitely a highly competitive division, I would say for sure. I’ve been a part of divisions that were tough before, but it’s definitely some of the top teams in the league in this division. So, it’s going to be hard-fought games and just the characteristics of the teams in this division. Hard nose and a lot of grit,” Edmunds said. “So, definitely highly competitive. But, that’s what you play this game for. You play this game to go against those type of teams … So, I wouldn’t have it any other type of way just as far as putting your best foot forward each and every week. That’s what we work so hard for, to play against the best. So, I’m excited to get this ball rolling this week.”

Chicago starts the season with back-to-back division games - first playing the Vikings before taking on the reigning division champions, the Detroit Lions, on Sun., 14 (Noon / FOX) in their first away game of the season.