Having kept back-to-back clean sheets in wins over Swansea City and Millwall, Boro are one of just two Championship sides yet to concede a league goal this term.
They barely conceded a chance as they beat Swansea on the opening day, and while Millwall created a couple of opportunities at the Den on Saturday, Sol Brynn was hardly overworked in the Teessiders’ goal.
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From the moment he was appointed as Michael Carrick’s replacement, Edwards spoke of the need to add some steel and resolve to Boro’s play, so while last week’s Carabao Cup thrashing to Doncaster remains a sore point, the former Luton boss has been delighted with his new side’s defensive displays in the league.
“You’ve got to be able to defend, and be able to attack,” said Edwards, whose side return to the road this weekend as they head to Carrow Road to face Norwich City. “We’ve defended really well in the two games and limited both Swansea and Millwall to very little.
“Bill [Luke Ayling] had to block a chance, and Josh [Coburn] had a chance in the second half. But to come here and limit them to that, with all the set-pieces they had and the quality they had on the pitch, that’s very pleasing.
“But it’s just football. We’ve got to learn to love that stuff – when we’re suffering, learn to love to defend and make the blocks and celebrate that.
“On the flipside, I thought we played some excellent stuff in the second half. I thought we looked a really good team.”
Boro’s defensive options will increase in the next couple of weeks as George Edmundson builds up his fitness levels following his return from injury.
Edmundson was back on the bench at the Den at the weekend, and while the centre-half has only just returned to training, Edwards thought he might have to turn to him when Ayling began to cramp up in the closing stages.
The Boro boss gave Ayling the option of coming off, but despite being in a degree of discomfort, the former Leeds United defender was adamant he did not want to make way.
“Luke was cramping up in the last ten,” said Edwards. “I asked him if he was alright and told him to be honest with me because we had George there as well.
“He’s only had one-and-a-half training sessions in about four months. I was ready to put him on, but Bill was having none of it. It’s a good sign. The boys are with it.”
