The Chicago Bears, despite leading the NFL in takeaways last season, struggled on the defensive line, and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen understands a huge part of that is on him.
According to ESPN statistics, Chicago ranked 31st in pass-rush win rate (29%) and 26th in run-stop win rate (29%) in 2025. The Bears’ total defense also allowed 361.8 yards per game (29th) and 49 touchdowns, statistics that won’t help them win a Super Bowl.
Bears DC Dennis Allen Delivers Reality Check on Himself Ahead of Season
Dennis Allen, in a recent press conference, took time to share his thoughts on how improving the defense (specifically the pass rush) starts with him.
“We had a lot of discussions this offseason about a lot of different things, and one of the things we identified was me,” Dennis Allen said. “We focused so much on installing all the scheme last year because it was brand new, and we do have a high volume of things we carry in the defense. We focused so much on that that we lost sight of some of the fundamentals and techniques that it takes to function, to do those things. I don’t think we were as fundamentally sound defensively as we need to be. So how do we have to coach it better? Well, let’s minimize how much we’re focused on the scheme, OK, and let’s focus on not what we’re gonna do but how we’re gonna do it. I think that’s how we’re gonna improve.”
The hope is this isn’t just coach talk, because the Bears seriously need to improve in the pass-rushing department. It’s great that Allen is taking accountability for the Bears’ pass rush disappointing last season, but with minimal changes up front, coaching is going to matter more than ever.
Allen Comments on Potential Reunion with Cameron Jordan, Sends Message on Dayo Odeyingbo
Many fans are wondering if New Orleans Saints 8x Pro Bowler Cameron Jordan, who played in Dennis Allen’s defense from 20015-23, is an option at edge rusher for the Bears, but Allen shot that thought down.
“Cam’s going to be a frickin Hall of Fame player, is a Hall of Fame player. I don’t know that there’s been a ton of discussion about that. I think we feel pretty good about where we’re at and what we have and yet, you never know what opportunities might present themselves down the road.”
Even if the Bears were to eventually sign Jordan, he’ll be a short-term fix, considering he’s 36.
As for the Bears feeling confident about what they already have in the building, a lot of that confidence, according to Allen, falls on Dayo Odeyingbo, who barely played last season due to a season-ending Achilles injury.
“Dennis Allen said that Dayo Odeyingbo is ‘definitely in the mix at defensive end,'” ESPN reporter Courtney Cronin tweeted out. “When Odeyingbo got hurt in the Cincinnati game, the messaging around his season to that point was how good he was as a run defender and that he might be better suited rushing from the interior on passing downs. Where he lines up, where he can win his reps will be something worth keeping a close eye on in training camp considering the group of Odeyingbo, Booker and Turner are who the Bears are banking on winning the edge spot opposite Montez Sweat.”
It’s hard to believe the Bears’ pass rush will dramatically change with relatively the same group of players due to coaching and guys like Odeyingbo and Turner returning from injury, but that’s what they are banking on.
The hope is that’s the case, because if not, there could be a huge overhaul on the defensive line, along with the coaching staff, next season.
Bears DC Dennis Allen Delivers Reality Check on Himself Ahead of Season