Looking at sheer yardage and points allowed, the 2025 Chicago Bears' defense is not markedly different than the 2024 version. In some metrics, Dennis Allen's unit has been worse than the one Matt Eberflus guided as head coach last season until he was fired.
The most significant difference this year has been the takeaways. Entering Week 14, the Bears have a league-high 26 takeaways, which is already more takeaways than they had all of last season (24). Three Bears defenders are among the league leaders in interceptions, led by safety Kevin Byard's league-leading six interceptions.
Byard led the Bears with 130 total tackles last season, and he also had two sacks. But his most impactful plays largely went away, with just one interception along with seven pass breakups.
Byard is the Bears' second-leading tackler so far this season (65 total tackles), but he has already broken up as many passes as he did all of last year to go with the six interceptions above.
ESPN analyst highlights the biggest difference for Kevin Byard this season
Appearing with "Spiegel and Holmes" on 670 The Score Tuesday, ESPN analyst and former NFL safety Matt Bowen talked about Byard.
"I tell you what, he's playing faster than he did last year", Bowen said. "I can tell you that right now, the play speed has increased. You don't see that with players later in their career...But what that tells you, it's someone who trusts the scheme....that's coaching with Dennis Allen, putting him in position to be around the football."
Bowen went on to highlight two recent interceptions Byard has had. In Week 11 against the Minnesota Vikings, he baited quarterback J.J. McCarthy into making a throw into a seemingly open window, which he quickly closed. In Week 13 against the Philadelphia Eagles, he showed deep range to get to the sideline and intercept Jalen Hurts.
The interception of McCarthy was rooted in film study, with a good bit of sheer instinct that put him in position to make the play. The interception of Hurts was a showcase of instinct with the Eagles' signal caller on the move, finished off by physical skill to make a phenomenal play. When someone can think less and "play faster", as Bowen said, instinct and talent can shine.
Bowen was careful to say he didn't mean any disrespect to Eberflus. But what he said clearly outlined the difference Allen has made. Then he got to the bottom line with Byard.
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"This is a guy that should be going to the Pro Bowl this year, based on the tape."