In a QB-driven league, the only way to compete against top-tier passers is by finding players who can neutralize them. That means acquiring pass rushers who can get quarterbacks on the ground, hurry them or get them out of their comfort zones.
Even edge rushers who can’t do much other than get after the passer can get meaningful snaps in most defenses. Many of them are specialists, but much like closers in baseball, they can have a profound effect on the game.
Edge rushers, especially in the Bears’ 3-4 scheme, are outside linebackers who play in a two-point stance at the line of scrimmage and are predominantly concerned with rushing the passer.