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LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Darrell Taylor stood on the sidelines early in the fourth quarter, with one thought on repeat as the defense prepared to take the field in a close Week 1 contest.

It’s time to make a play. It’s time to make a play. It’s time to make a play.

The veteran edge rusher had only been a Chicago Bear for a few weeks, and he wanted to show his new team (and its fan base) what he was all about.

Energy. Intensity. Production.

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Then on 3^rd-and-2, Taylor lined up in front of his blocker and knew it was time to go. He took a step to the inside and the Titans tackle did the same, preparing for an inside right. That’s when Taylor went back outside, brushed his opponent aside and made a full sprint for quarterback Will Levis. He stripped the ball and T.J. Edwards recovered, setting up an important field goal in a game the Bears one with excellence on defense and special teams.

“I knew I was going to do that,” Taylor said. “I kept telling myself that it was time to make a play. That’s what they brought be here for. I needed to show up for my team. I knew the tackle couldn’t block me, and I knew I had worked my tail off all week to prepare for that situation. I was ready in that moment.”

It was important to come through. Taylor certaintly did, with eight tackles and two sacks. His new teammates don’t know him well (yet), so he believes has something to prove.

“It’s different coming here, trying to create something new,” Taylor said. “I’m rolling with these guys every day, learning about them and letting them get to know me. That’s what it’s all about, earning trust with them. If we continue to do that, things will work out in our favor.”

Taylor’s as driven as ever, for obvious reasons. He’s in a contract year, ready to hit unrestricted free agency for the first time in his career. He was also somewhat stunned by a late August trade where the Seahawks traded him away. That’ll get an already energetic sort amped.

“My motivation definitely went up some,” Taylor said. “You want to stay and fight with the team that drafted you as long as you can. When I felt like they didn’t need me anymore, it definitely motivated me, it lit a fire inside my heart. As you all can see, I’m very excited to be here.”

The Bears are excited to have him here. They need consistent pass rushers, which is why general manager went out and got Taylor and defensive tackle Chris Williams.

Montez Sweat was also acquired in trade and remembers what the initial few weeks felt like as the new kid in class.

“I remember when I got traded, and I was nervous how the guys would react when I came in,” Sweat said. “They welcomed me with open arms, so I wanted to give him that same courtesy. He fit right in.”

He fit into a group that was unproven rushing the passer, save Sweat. The Bears defensive line proved to be formidable, and far better than many expected against Tennessee. They got production from several, including DeMarcus Walker, Andrew Billings and Gervon Dexter Sr. The Bears ended up with three sacks and 20 total pressures, including two that set up Bears interceptions.

They must sustain that production over several weeks to put recent pass-rush issues to bed, but the depth and prowess showed against the Titans got the defensive line off to a good start.

“That was huge, because now we know that we can rotate and keep guys fresh without having a dropoff,” defensive tackle Andrew Billings said. “That important down the line. We have to be able to rotate and execute at the highest level.”

Where does the line go from here? It has to keep getting better, especially when the competition rachets up.

“Continue building, continue growing,” Walker said. “Capitalize on our opportunities and create them by playing elite football.”  

Follow Bears Insider Scott Bair on X @ScottBairNFL. Also, Bair Mail is coming! Join the conversation by submitting a mailbag question or comment to mailbag@marqueesportsnetwork.com for a chance to be included in this new content series.