Dennis Allen’s arrival as Chicago Bears defensive coordinator was heralded as a major addition and potential culture-changer for first-year head coach Ben Johnson.
Allen not only deploys an attack-style defense but also has previous head coaching experience from his time with the New Orleans Saints, and his fingerprints are already all over a Bears’ defense that isn’t just punching above its weight but creating short fields for Caleb Williams and the offense in the biggest spots of games, so far this season.
In addition to importing his scheme and the leadership Allen has added to the defense, one of his position coaches is not just crafting a strong resumè to become a coordinator of his own defense in the near future but leading the charge of a defensive renaissance for the Bears.
Chicago Bears’ defensive backs leading the NFL in interceptions
Al Harris’ fingerprints are all over a Bears secondary that is off to a dominant start to the season.
Through the Bears’ first 10 games of the season, Chicago boasts three of the NFL leaders in interceptions, with Kevin Byard first in the league with five, linebacker Tremeine Edmunds and cornerback Nahshon Wright are tied for second in the NFL, with four apiece.
All told, Bears defensive backs have pulled down 11 interceptions so far this season.
Harris is clearly emphasizing ball-skills out of the defensive backs, and the Bears’ ability to post a league-best turnover differential at +16 has made it easier both for the offense to come up big in big spots but also for quarterback Caleb Williams to be in a position to take big steps in his development because his buttressed by such a swarming and opportunistic defense.
If the Bears can keep up this pace, Harris’ profile is going to be raised significantly this offseason, and Chicago’s defense just might become a driving force behind an ahead of schedule playoff run.
Inside how Chicago Bears’ Ben Johnson is ‘smashing the easy button’ for Caleb Williams
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