After re-signing with the Bucks on a one-year contract, running back Chase Edmonds is currently selected as the top backup to Rathard White. For Edmonds, last season was an opportunity to get back on track after spending time between the Dolphins and Broncos in 2022.
After spending a year in Tampa Bay, he’s ready to help reinvigorate the offense next season.
Chase Edmonds is focused on returning and proving his worth
The Bucks 2023 was a season full of ups and downs.. Although the team got off to a strong start with 3 wins and 1 loss, their form declined after the bye week, dropping to 4 wins and 7 losses, but they bounced back towards the end of the season, winning 5 of their last 6 games and qualifying for the playoffs. obtained. Chase Edmonds went through a similar path this year.
Edmonds suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in just the second game of the season against the Bears, keeping him sidelined until Week 8. After returning from injury, he didn’t do much on the field, but like the rest of the offense, he started to come into his own as the team advanced to the playoffs. The veteran running back spoke to the media Thursday about how things changed late in games and his mindset this offseason.
Bucks QB Baker Mayfield and RB Chase Edmonds – Photo courtesy of USA Today
“We started to click in the last five or six games, and I think we did really well as a whole offensive unit,” Edmonds said. “You know, other than the game against Carolina, which clinched a playoff berth, these were our best games as an offensive unit. We really got into our rhythm, we got some momentum, we really found our identity. , I felt like I was starting to figure out how I wanted to call plays and how I wanted to actually orchestrate plays from play to play.
“I want to be proud of how my explosiveness has reached this point, and no matter what the team does, I want to be proud of myself. [with the] I don’t really care if we draft them or bring in someone else. Focus on yourself and focus on your work. But that’s my plan, to really come back with some brilliance, come back with a different level of acceleration, a different level of juice, and just prove myself right. I know I have it, I know I can do it, [and] He can still play an active role in this league for another two or three years. I’m a great player and a great teammate and I’m going to be out there to prove it. ”
Tampa Bay may be looking to add another player this offseason, but Edmonds remains grateful to have it back.
“It’s just a blessing,” Edmonds added. “I’m very grateful that the Bucks came back and tried to build on what we started last year. For me, last year was obviously a reset for myself. It was just a matter of playing the way we knew we could play and how we played early in our career, trying to get back on track. Once the season was over, we all came together to build on the special that we started. I knew I wanted to take things further. [that] In fact, at the beginning of the season, no one gave us a chance. ”
Chase Edmonds is ready to go about his business
Throughout the first six seasons of his career, Chase Edmonds has served as the right-hand man for a number of talented running backs, from David Johnson to Kenyan Drake to James Conner to now Rashard White. Outside of 2021, when he had over 100 carries, Edmonds has carved out a niche in the NFL as a change-of-pace back. Someone who can come off the bench and give the starters a breather while also being versatile and ready to make something happen at a moment’s notice.
It’s a role he’s actively worked to succeed in, and he knows that when he’s in the game, the offense can’t give up.
Bucks RB Chase Edmonds – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
“Early in my career, my rookie running backs coach always said something that stuck with me and I say that to my young players,” Edmonds said. “Everyone has ambitions in this league, everyone wants to be great in this league, everyone has talent in this league. But at the end of the day, I want to make the most of my time in the NFL. To take advantage of this, you need to understand what your role is, and you need to maximize your role.
“Going into my seventh year, I realized the best part of my game is the change of pace at the back. When the defense is a little tired, I come in as a catalyst. He uses his juice and his acceleration. He uses his quickness to provide explosive plays for the offensive line. That’s something I’m just proud of.”
Edmonds ran for a season-high 40 yards on eight carries, including a 15-yard dash in the 29-25 win at Atlanta, and ran for 27 yards on four carries, including a season-high 21-yard run. recorded and proved it. The final game of the season at Carolina.
“I know that if Rashard gets tired, probably on the second or third drive, I have to come in. We can’t afford a second,” Edmonds said. “It has to be a 10- to 15-yard play, whether it’s a screen play, a change of pace by getting out of the backfield and taking your chosen route, or a toss play to get on the edge.
“I take pride in third-down protection that keeps the quarterback upright. I can give Baker confidence. [Mayfield] When he’s there, it’s like, “I know Chase will handle his job.” Whether it’s a corner blitz or a safety blitz, I know I’ll be taken care of. ”
Chase Edmonds is fully healthy entering 2024 and is ready to be the catalyst for the Bucks’ offense. If he continues his strong play late last season, the Bucks could have a sneaky and productive duo in the backfield.
