Dennis Allen describes what his Bears defense will look like
Dennis Allen’s defensive scheme works. The numbers back that up, with top 10 rankings in points allowed seven times in his 11 seasons as a defensive play caller.
The veteran coordinator brings that system to Chicago, where he’ll team up with head coach Ben Johnson and work to get the Bears back on track.
Allen detailed what to expect from his system on Thursday in his first public comments as Bears defensive coordinator.
RELATED CONTENT:
- What coordinator Declan Doyle can bring to Bears offense
- What Bears are getting in defensive coordinator Dennis Allen
- Why Ben Johnson wants to rip his offensive scheme ‘down to the studs’
- Bears finalizing deal to make Antwaan Randle-El assistant head coach
“We want to be an attacking, aggressive style of defense,” Allen said in a virtual press conference with Bears beat reporters. “I think we want to take the fight to the offense and not let the offense dictate the tempo to us. We’re gonna be aggressive, we’re gonna challenge everything. We’re gonna play the game the right way and we’re gonna play a tough, physical brand of football, I think the brand of football that you come to expect at the Chicago Bears.”
While Allen’s defensive system is different that was Matt Eberflus ran the past three seasons, it won’t require a complete depth-chart overhaul to run. Allen employs a similar 4-3 base defense and spends lots of time spent in the sub package. You’ll see plenty of man coverage, a system that requires athleticism from off-the-ball linebackers and pressure required often from a four-man front. Allen isn’t afraid to blitz from exotic locations and is good at disguising defensive intentions.
While upgrades will be required at several spots follow a relative down year defensively, Allen likes the makeup of the options already on the roster.
“I took a look back at the pieces of this defense,” Allen said. “I felt there were some pieces in place. In particular, I think there’s some things that we have in the secondary that I like, I think there are some pieces at linebacker that I’m encouraged by. I think there’s a couple of spots up front where we got some players. So, I think the foundation is there defensively.”
Allen also mentioned that the measurables stack up in relation to scheme fit and said that he saw man-coverage ability among the defensive backs on the roster. He singled slot cornerback Kyler Gordon by name and said he has “a vision” for how to use him. Allen didn’t say so directly, but there’s a need along the defensive line. There are some quality pieces available, but more depth and talent is required off the edge especially.
“We’re always looking for talent acquisition, player acquisition, guys we feel like can come in and fit into our system, that can help us grow as a defensive line,” Allen said. “What our job is as coaches: our job is to develop. And so, we’re gonna take the pieces that we have in place, we’re gonna add the necessary ingredients that we need to create what we will able to do from a defensive standpoint. I’m excited about working with the guys who we have, and I’m excited about working with (general manager Ryan Poles) and his staff to see if we can’t find some pieces to add to it.”
Allen agrees with Johnson’s take that “quarterback disruption” is a core defensive philosophy that combines rush and coverage. His system can achieve that aim. There’s little doubt about that.
He has some time before players return in early April for the offseason program, but there’s plenty to do between now and then. “It’s a long process,” Allen said. “I think right now the focus is—and Ben and I have been working together on trying to put together the staff, finalize the staff, get those guys in place, then we’ve got to do a deep dive into the personnel that we have and then we’ve got to be able to give some direction and some clarity to (general manager Ryan Poles) and his guys in terms of what exactly are we looking for in each position and then we’ll get into the scheme and making sure that everybody’s on board with what we’re going to do from a schematic standpoint.”