Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards got creative in his efforts to gain an upper hand in his team's Week 3 "Monday Night Football" matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Late in the third quarter, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was attempting to change a play at the line of the scrimmage when Edwards aligned himself just over the center. The 30-year-old linebacker appeared to be trying to listen to what Hurts was saying ahead of the play.
Edwards was able to drop back into coverage on the play and intercept Hurts. That led many to wonder whether the veteran, who played for the Eagles from 2019 and 2022, had heard something familiar at the line that allowed him to position himself for the interception.
However, Edwards doused that theory in cold water when asked if he had heard anything from the Eagles' call after the game.
"No," Edwards replied when asked about the play by The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain. "I was like, 'Maybe I'll hear some familiar stuff,' and like they must have changed language up because I had no idea what they were talking about."
That Philadelphia's offensive terminology has changed since Edwards' time with the team isn't a major surprise. While Nick Sirianni has remained entrenched as the Eagles' coach since 2021, the team has had four different offensive coordinators in the four seasons since Edwards defected to join the Bears.
Even without knowledge of Philadelphia's terminology, Edwards thrived against his former team. He not only logged the interception but also logged three total pass defenses during the contest.
That included another play where, similar to his interception, he dropped underneath a receiver unnoticed to Hurts. Edwards nearly managed to pick off the quarterback's pass on that occasion but couldn't quite reel it in.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bears' T.J. Edwards nabbed clutch INT vs Eagles. Did he steal the play call?
