The Chicago Bears escaped Tampa Bay this past weekend with a 27-24 win and found a way to scratch out a win that included seemingly endless turnovers. A roster that has been noted for its ability to create turnovers all of a sudden couldn't stop giving the ball away to Baker Mayfield and a Tampa offense that had endless chances to take control. This brings us to defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and a unit that deserves far more credit for what it has accomplished this season.
Chicago isn't' going to be mistaken for one of the league's most talented defensive rosters or a team that has a long list of elite players defensively. However, what Allen has proven is that the coordinator is going to find ways to get to the quarterback in creative fashion and rotate his secondary enough to cover up clear concerns within the unit. No question, Allen has been incredible thus far and should earn more praise for what has been accomplished.
While giving up 24 points might not seem like a defensive accomplishment, fans watching the game understand the degree of difficulty. Allen's unit found ways to stop the bleeding and slow down Tampa not allowing the Bucs to take full advantage of seemingly endless turnovers.
For Allen, this level of performance doesn't come as a surprise as the coordinator has a long history of being one of the league's top options at the position. The pieces haven't mattered as long as there is a baseline of talent the Bears are going to find ways to get timely stops and allow Ben Johnson's offense to take control.
Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen deserves more credit for what roster has accomplished
The roster has dealt with issues and injuries in the secondary and still finds ways to get clutch stops and allow the running game and Caleb Williams to control the clock. It has been an underrated piece of Chicago's elite start to the season and remains a huge piece of why the Bears should clearly be considered the NFC North's most complete team, one ready to take a leap to serious Super Bowl contention.
Allen deserves his flowers for this and will unquestionably be getting more credit as the season rolls along. It will be interesting to watch what creative wrinkles the veteran coach continues to offer to bring more life into what has been a surprisingly solid pass rush.
The Bears have a week to heal and get ready for New Orleans, with the bulk of attention unquestionably already on Thanksgiving Day matchup with Johnson's former team, an offense that Allen will need to slow down to maintain momentum and continue what has been a quietly incredible 2026 season.
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