The Chicago Bears ruled out veteran linebacker T.J. Edwards with a hand and hamstring injuries ahead of Sunday’s game against the New York Giants. Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times reported on Friday that Edwards reportedly underwent surgery for a broken hand, but the Bears will not place him on injured reserve.
At the time of this news, Bears fans weren’t enthused, but realized this could be a good opportunity for fellow LB Noah Sewell to get more reps against teams like the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, and possibly the Pittsburgh Steelers.
To no one's surprise, Sewell did not pass his test with flying colors in Sunday’s win over the Giants, which will only heighten fans’ fears as they await Edwards’ return.
Noah Sewell’s Week 10 Performance Doesn’t Quell Bears Fans’ Fears
According to Pro Football Focus, the 23-year-old linebacker had one of the lowest grades on the Bears’ defense following their tight win over the Giants. The third-year linebacker posted a 48.0 overall defensive grade, a 38.3 tackling grade, and a 43.6 coverage grade across 70 snaps.
The only thing that Bears fans can take solace in from Sewell’s mediocre performance is that he was solid in stopping the run with a 71.6 grade. However, to see the former Oregon LB struggle with tackling and in pass coverage is not a good sign against a bad Giants’ offense led by a rookie QB in Jaxson Dart.
Heading into Sunday’s game, Sewell had a 133.5 pass rating allowed when targeted and gave up three receiving touchdowns. He also recorded six missed tackles in seven games. Chicago’s coaches knew what they were getting with Sewell, but he didn’t do enough to help his cause.
He had a disastrous missed tackle (h/t @AaronLemingNFL) in the fourth quarter against Giants running back Devin Singletary, who shook him off for a 41-yard reception. If Sewell gets the stop on Singletary, the Giants are in a tough spot on fourth down.
That wasn’t the case, as New York ended the drive with a 19-yard field goal to put them up 20-10 over Chicago. As for Sewell’s play in pass coverage, he gave up four receptions (four targets) for 75 yards. Giants tight end Theo Johnson had a huge game with seven receptions (eight targets) for 75 yards, while Singletary had three receptions (three targets) for 53 yards.
Sewell's forgettable effort is not a good sign heading into Week 11 against the Minnesota Vikings, who have tight end T.J. Hockenson and running back Aaron Jones — two playmakers who are better than what the Bears saw on Sunday. Chicago fans likely hope that Edwards can get back next week, but it depends on how practice goes this upcoming week.
If Edwards can’t practice or is limited in any way, the Bears might be looking at another Sewell start, which will put more pressure than necessary on the front four moving forward.