All the focus is currently on Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and his return to 100% health after his hamstring injury. Still, the Windy City defense should be getting their flowers after Week 2.
The Bears dropped a game to the Minnesota Vikings, 9-3, in a defensive slugfest marked by multiple mistakes and messy, rainy weather. Chicago was so hung up on Williams' health, which is more than justified, that they failed to realize they were seeing one of the best defensive performances under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
Looking back at everything the Bears' defense did in that game, it was impressive to see a unit go from allowing 37 points in Week 1 to just nine in Week 2. Chicago's defense deserves the respect they deserve for how it played.
Bears' rookies on defense should get some love for their play
We really need more conversation about how well first-round pick Dillon Thieneman and fourth-round pick Malik Muhammad are playing. These two rookies, with so much pressure on their shoulders, have stepped up and done a great job.
Thieneman once again led the Bears in tackles with seven and had a pass deflection. His highlight of the game was breaking up a sure touchdown from Justin Jefferson on the opening drive, forcing a field goal. This young man is literally all over the field and can do so much for this Bears defense that there is no doubt he will be a long-time starter here.
Muhammad has been a bit of a surprise in the secondary, following up a great first week where he allowed the lowest passer rating of any Bears defense and again came through. He finished with three tackles, one quarterback hit, one tackle for loss, and one sack. This game showed he's good in coverage in the nickel, but can also be loaded up in the box to pressure the quarterback when needed.
Bears' veterans took ownership in the Vikings showdown as well
T.J. Edwards was the most notable player, delivering a much better game despite having just four tackles. Pro Football Focus gave him the game's highest grade, 89.9, and a coverage grade of 81.1. After having a quiet first game with one tackle, Edwards is finding other ways to impact the defense.
Dayo Odeyingbo certainly is starting to catch some eyes as well, playing both off the edge and at tackle. Odeyingbo finished with five pressures, two quarterback hits, one tackle, one tackle for loss, and one sack. Those five pressures led the team, showing he's finally starting to earn that big contract he got from Chicago.
Maybe the biggest surprise of the game was James Lynch, who got the start and played incredibly well. He finished with seven tackles and did a great job stopping the run. After his great run in training camp, he's starting to show his skills on the field.
Overview of Bears' defense against the Vikings in Week 2
Chicago finished by allowing just 246 total yards of offense, with 127 of it through the air. The Vikings converted only three of 13 on third down.
While the Bears didn't create the turnovers fans wanted, this defense won't do that as often in 2026. What they are doing better, though, is pressuring the quarterback with a defensive front that is showing progress.
In the secondary, there is still room for improvement, but they held Justin Jefferson to just three catches for 55 yards, so that has to be considered a win. Sure, Jaylon Johnson may not be perfect right now, but he played a much better game in Week 2.
Read more: 7 instant takeaways from Bears' soul-crushing Week 2 loss to Vikings
The real question is: how will this defense look without an assist from the rain? They'll face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, but for now, Bears fans should feel encouraged by the progress this defense has made after the opening-weekend disaster.
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