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Jonathan Allen is the player who can transform the Chicago Bears defensive line

By Carlos Nazario

Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) returns a fumble for a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) returns a fumble for a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies during the third quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jonathan Allen is the one player who can make the pieces fall into place for the Chicago Bears. His pass rush can ease a lot of troubles and help other players thrive.

The Chicago Bears need another anchor on the defensive line. They need someone to get to the quarterback consistently and wreak havoc. In a division where they see Teddy Bridgewater, Matthew Stafford and Aaron (freakin’) Rodgers a total of six times every season, pressure is important. Jonathan Allen is the one who can fit right in and take care of that.

Many feel that the Bears need to take a quarterback with the third pick of the NFL Draft in April. They feel that the time for Jay Cutler‘s exit is here, and they need a new face of the franchise.

They won’t do that, however.

Head coach John Fox needs to turn things around and bring home some wins. Nine wins in two seasons won’t cut it, and only the injuries this season saved his job.

In turning around teams, Fox goes with the pass rushers. In Carolina, he drafted Julius Peppers. With the Denver Broncos, he went with Von Miller.

With the Chicago Bears, Fox will get Jonathan Allen.

Fox cannot wait for a quarterback in the draft to get on-the-job training. They will get a quarterback who can move the offense enough to allow the defense to dominate and win games. It is the Chicago way. It is Fox’s way. Heck, they may draft a quarterback later in the draft and KEEP Cutler if there are no other viable options.

Allen is the defensive end/tackle on an Alabama team that went to the title game two consecutive seasons (winning one title). He is 6-foot-3 and weighs 294 pounds. In his three seasons as a starter, Allen totaled 137 tackles (41.5 for loss), and 27.5 sacks.

The tackles for loss and the sacks are important. Allen consistently finds himself in the opponent’s backfield. Team him with Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman and that makes a pretty dominant defensive line.

In addition to making the defensive line dominant, the pressure exerted by Allen also helps other areas of the defense. Offenses need to give their attention to him, and that means Leonard Floyd (who had a great rookie campaign) or Pernell McPhee will have more room to roam. The pressure on the quarterback forces him to throw when he doesn’t want to, creating turnover opportunities for the secondary. Turnovers were a sore spot for the Bears the last few seasons.

Next: Chicago Bears draft position profiles: Cornerbacks

Adding Jonathan Allen will greatly improve the Bears defense. His presence will make the other pieces fall into place. While many people clamor for a quarterback early, the Bears will do what they can to bring the Monsters of the Midway defense back.

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