The Bears left Week 1 with a bizarre split-screen result: 59 points on offense, 37 points allowed on defense, and plenty of noise about whether the latter should be a real concern.
Dave Wannstedt doesn’t sound interested in sounding the alarm.
The former Bears head coach said on the Haugh & Payton Show on 104.3 The Score that Chicago’s defensive performance against Carolina is not what he expects to see going forward. In his view, the slow start on that side of the ball is part of a broader NFL trend, one tied to teams getting less physical work during training camp and the preseason.
“I think the Bears defense will take a big step of improvement this week,” Wannstedt said. “I really do.”
Wannstedt pointed to Dennis Allen as a major reason for that confidence. With one full regular-season game to study, the defensive coordinator now has a clearer picture of what needs adjusting, including how often Chicago uses two deep looks, whether quarters or man coverage makes more sense, and when to bring more 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.”
He also sees the Week 2 matchup with Minnesota as a chance for the Bears to look different on defense. Wannstedt said he would prepare for Carson Wentz, and he believes a less mobile quarterback would give Chicago more room to be aggressive with its pressure calls.
That, he said, could open the door for the Bears to attack up the middle more often - something that becomes easier when the defense does not have to constantly account for a quarterback escaping the pocket.
Chicago’s 37 points allowed will never look clean, even with three takeaways helping soften the blow against Carolina. Better opponents are not always going to be that generous. Still, Wannstedt said he sees issues that can be fixed rather than a problem that should send up red flags.
For now, he’s betting on the correction coming fast.
In Other News...
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For Chicago, the appeal is obvious: a proven edge rusher who can change the tone of a defense without requiring much projection. The obstacle is just as obvious, though, because Crosbys new deal made him expensive, with an annual salary of $35.5 million, so any pursuit would have to be aggressive and carefully timed. For now, the Bears can only watch his production and wonder whether this is the rare pass-rush fix that might still be sitting within reach. [Read more 🡒]
Bears Special Teams Just Unleashed A Weapon Fans Need To See
The Bears Week 1 rout of the Panthers had plenty of big moments on offense, but one of the quieter swings came from special teams when Tory Taylor put together a punt that helped tilt the game. His unusual banana ball kick forced a muffed catch, and Chicago turned the takeaway into a field goal as part of the 59-37 win, another sign that this team can create problems in more ways than one.
Ben Johnson pointed to the punt as a momentum shift, which says plenty about how the Bears view Taylors value heading into the season. With Caleb Williams lighting up Carolina and the offense already carrying a heavy load, any hidden-yardage edge matters, and Taylors ability to change field position in an instant gives Chicago something opponents have to account for every week. [Read more 🡒]
Bears Secondary Suddenly Has A Debate Fans Didn't Expect
The Bears defensive issues in Week 1 against Carolina quickly pushed the cornerback room into the spotlight, with Tyrique Stevenson and Jaylon Johnson drawing the most scrutiny. Stevensons rough performance was part of the conversation, but Johnsons future has become just as important to watch because Chicago is trying to sort out a position that suddenly feels less stable than expected.
That has opened the door to some unexpected trade chatter, including the possibility of a deal with Pittsburgh centered on Stevenson and Joey Porter Jr., two corners both heading into the final year of their rookie contracts. Any move like that would force the Bears to weigh short-term help against the risk of weakening a spot they already need to fix, especially with Johnsons own contract situation adding another layer to the decision. [Read more 🡒]