In most playoff games, the spotlight naturally gravitates toward a star player or a marquee head-to-head matchup. But for the Chicago Bears, their postseason hopes rest not on a player taking the field, but on the minds orchestrating the defense from the sideline-specifically, defensive backs coach Al Harris and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
Their challenge? Slowing down Puka Nacua.
And make no mistake-if the Bears want to keep their Super Bowl dream alive and punch their ticket to the NFC Championship Game, they’ll need a plan that keeps Nacua in check. Because if he gets rolling early-five catches in the first quarter, 100 yards before halftime, or multiple trips to the end zone-it could be a long night for Chicago and head coach Ben Johnson.
Nacua has been one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in football this season. He’s not just a possession receiver, not just a deep threat-he’s the kind of versatile, high-IQ wideout who can beat you in a dozen different ways. Outside the numbers, across the middle, on timing routes, or improvising with Matthew Stafford when the play breaks down-he’s always a problem.
That’s where Harris’ fingerprints need to be all over the game plan. The Bears’ defense has thrived this season by forcing turnovers and capitalizing on mistakes.
But against a receiver like Nacua, opportunism alone won’t cut it. Chicago has to be disciplined, creative, and unpredictable in coverage.
Expect a mix of off-man looks, press coverage at the line, bracket schemes with safety help, and disguised rotations post-snap. The goal isn’t to erase Nacua completely-that’s just not realistic.
But limiting him? That’s the mission.
Keep him under 10 catches. Keep him under 100 yards.
Most importantly, keep him out of the end zone.
If they do that, the entire complexion of the game tilts in Chicago’s favor.
Why? Because this Bears team has shown all season that it can rise to the moment offensively when the pressure’s on.
And defensively, they’re built to make life uncomfortable for quarterbacks who need rhythm and a clean pocket to thrive-exactly the kind of environment Matthew Stafford prefers. Disrupt his timing, take away his top target, and suddenly the Rams’ offense looks a lot more human.
That’s why the communication and trust between Harris and Allen will be so critical. The Bears will need to make in-game adjustments, stay fluid with their coverages, and respond to how the Rams attack. If they can prevent Nacua from establishing a rhythm early, they don’t just give themselves a chance to win-they give themselves a chance to dictate the game.
And if they can do that, the Bears could be looking at their first NFC Championship Game appearance in 15 years.