The Chicago Bears scored 59 points in their season opener and somehow still gave fans something to worry about.
Chicago's defense surrendered 37 points to the Carolina Panthers, but former Bears head coach Dave Wannstedt believes what happened Sunday won't become the norm.
Dave Wannstedt expects big jump from Bears defense
Appearing on the Haugh & Payton Show on 104.3 The Score, Wannstedt pushed back on the idea that Chicago's defensive performance should overshadow what happened offensively.
The former Bears head coach believes defenses across the NFL have been slower to find their footing because of how little physical work teams can do during training camp and the preseason.
Then he made his prediction for Week 2.
“I think the Bears defense will take a big step of improvement this week,” Wannstedt said. “I really do.”
Wannstedt pointed toward defensive coordinator Dennis Allen as one reason he's confident.
Allen now has a full regular season game to evaluate. Wannstedt believes that gives him an opportunity to reconsider how often Chicago plays two deep, whether to use more quarters or man coverage and when to dial up additional pressure.
“He's experienced. He knows what he's doing,” Wannstedt said. “So we'll be a lot better this week. I really believe it.”
Bears could get favorable matchup against Vikings
There's another reason Wannstedt likes Chicago's chances of looking different defensively.
Minnesota's quarterback situation could change how Allen attacks the Vikings.
Wannstedt said he'd prepare for Carson Wentz and believes a less mobile quarterback would give Chicago considerably more freedom with its pressure packages.
That could be exactly what this defense needs after struggling to contain Bryce Young at times Sunday.
Wannstedt even predicted Chicago could attack up the middle more aggressively, something that becomes considerably easier when a defense isn't constantly worried about the quarterback escaping the pocket.
Giving up 37 points is never going to look pretty on a box score. Three takeaways helped cover up some of Chicago's problems against Carolina, and better teams won't always be so forgiving.
But Wannstedt has spent enough time coaching defense to know the difference between problems that can be corrected and ones that should set off alarms.
For now, he's firmly in the first camp.
We'll find out Sunday whether he's right.
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