Prior to Edmunds’ interception, the defense held strong in the red zone period. Jarrett and Odeyingbo forced a play dead after reaching the backfield before Sweat and Stevenson combined for a strong run stop, which ultimately set up the takeaway.
That final period showcased the chemistry the Bears defense has displayed throughout camp thus far — a testament to both the veteran experience and roster continuity within the group.
“We got some experience playing with each other over the past year even though it’s not the same scheme,” Byard said. “But obviously we all knew each other. We’re good friends. We hang out together. So a lot of it is just getting the communication down. We don’t have a whole lot of rookies out there with us on defense, so guys that have been in this league, we understand how teams are going to try to attack us, especially in Dennis Allen’s defense … it’s still a work in progress, but we’re making good progress.”
Byard said that Tuesday’s practice, which many players described as one of, if not the most, intense practices they’ve ever participated in, set the standard for what the remaining training camp practices should feel and look like. That standard carried over into Friday’s joint practice.
“When we watched the film, we told ourselves this is the floor now,” Byard said. “If it’s not going to be like this every single day — I mean obviously we’re not going to try to fight each other — but then that’s not the standard. And we’re going to try to keep that standard as high as we can, and it’s consistency, just making sure we’re consistent as a team and as a defense.”
As a 10-year veteran, Byard has been drawn toward coach Ben Johnson’s intensity, attention to detail and leadership skills. He likened the culture Johnson is setting in his first year to that of Mike Vrabel when he became head coach of the Tennessee Titans in Byard’s third season.
The intensity Johnson demands each day on the practice field is unlike anything Byard has previously experienced, but it appears to be paying off for the Bears defense.
“It’s just a constant reminder: Just keep getting better,” Byard said. “You still never really know how it’s going to be until you get to those live games, live action … Most practices have felt like they’ve been live. I’ve never been a part of a training camp like this before in my career honestly.”
Source link
