Is the Bears New Defensive Coordinator Bringing the Monsters of the Midway Back?
Four days into the Chicago Bears’ training camp, one side of the ball has begun to stick out. The Bears’ defense has been having their way against the offense so far, all led by brand new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Each skill group for the defense has shined so far throughout camp, with multiple interceptions and plays called dead with players getting to quarterback Caleb Williams. While it’s still very early into training camp, we could be seeing a preview of what’s to come for this brand-new Allen-led defense. The Monsters of the Midway defensive style could be making its return to Chicago.
The Bears’ defense would have an up-and-down 2024 season, where they would rank 27th in total yards allowed per game. They also averaged 21.8 points allowed per game and ranked 10th in tackling efficiency at 87.9%. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson would have another standout season, where he would have two interceptions and 53 combined tackles. This would also be enough to earn him a Pro Bowl honor. While the Bears’ defense would have some standout performances in the season, there would also be a lot of games that would cost them a win, especially towards the end of the season. Ending the year 5-12 wasn’t the ideal season for Chicago, tearing down the coaching staff and bringing in none other than Dennis Allen to become the new defensive coordinator.
Allen would be the head coach for the New Orleans Saints for three years, where he would compile an 18-25 record. While Allen wasn’t considered a great head coach, there was no denying his ability to coach a defense. In 2021, as the defensive coordinator for the Saints, Allen’s defense would lead the league in opponent red-zone touchdown percentage and was among the league leaders in opponent first downs. Now joining Chicago, Allen will have the opportunity to work alongside players like Johnson and defensive end Montez Sweat. The defense in Chicago has always been a bright spot, apart from many bad teams over the years, and has become a bit of a standard. With a tough couple of seasons in a row, Allen looks to correct the standard and bring the Monsters of the Midway back to Chicago.
