With head coach Ben Johnson handling the play calling of the Chicago Bears offense, he had to make sure he got the right man for the defense. Johnson hired Dennis Allen, and the rest is history.
Allen took over a defense that ranked 27th in total defense and 28th in rushing. The Bears gave him some new pieces to work with as they added Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo to the defensive line.
It was a tough start to Allen's era as defensive coordinator, as before the season, he had to deal with several injuries to the defense and the secondary, including Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, T.J. Edwards, and Austin Booker. More injuries occurred during the season, with Grady Jarrett being added to that list.
Through all that adversity, the Bears managed to be 3-2 through the first five games of the season and winners of three straight. Ben Johnson wasn't shy about sharing his admiration for Allen and the job he has done so far this season.
“Really, he’s been a godsend to me,” Johnson said via 670 The Score's Chris Emma. “He’s been incredible, not just from coordinating the defense, but he’s helped me every step of the way as well. So, very grateful for him to be here and everything that he’s done for this team up to date.”
Allen has this defense in the right position to improve throughout the season
The stats may not look great with the overall view of the season for Allen. His defense is currently ranked 26th in total defense, 27th in points, 21st in rush defense, and 15th in pass defense.
What has separated this defensive unit from the rest, though, is turnovers, as they have created 12 for the season, which ranks second in the NFL. During the three-game winning streak, the Bears have created 11 turnovers: four against the Dallas Cowboys, four against the Las Vegas Raiders, and three against the Washington Commanders.
Allen is getting some help as the team gets healthier, with Gordon and Edwards having all returned from injuries since the beginning of the season. Booker is close to returning, and Jarrett should be back soon as well. Jaylon Johnson is focused on getting back sometime before the end of the season.
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It hasn't been a perfect season for the defense, but Allen has them rolling at the right time and they look like a force to be reckoned with the rest of the year.