The Bears' defense has been walking a tightrope all season, and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen knows it better than anyone. Statistically, his unit has hovered near the bottom of the league in almost every major category-except one: takeaways. And while that’s helped keep Chicago in games, it hasn’t masked the glaring issues that have plagued this group, especially in recent weeks.
That all came to a head in the first half of their wild-card clash against the Packers. Simply put, the defense got steamrolled.
Three straight touchdown drives by Green Bay put Chicago in a 21-3 hole by halftime. The Bears looked flat, out of sync, and completely unprepared for Jordan Love and the Packers’ offensive rhythm.
Whether it was run fits, coverage breakdowns, or missed assignments, the problems were everywhere. And with head coach Ben Johnson opting for aggressive fourth-down calls deep in his own territory-like the one from their own 32-yard line early in the second quarter-it felt like a team teetering on the edge.
But here’s where things got interesting.
Dennis Allen and his staff made the right halftime adjustments, and the defense responded in a big way. On Green Bay’s first four possessions of the second half, the Bears forced three three-and-outs.
That’s not just a stat-it’s a statement. The run defense, which had been shredded in the first half, completely flipped the script, allowing just six yards on seven carries after the break.
That kind of turnaround doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a credit to the players locking in, and to Allen dialing up the right calls under pressure.
Perhaps the most notable shift came on third downs. The Packers went just 2-for-9 in the second half, a drastic drop from their early-game success.
Rookie wideout Matthew Golden did manage to find the end zone, but that was the lone touchdown the Bears surrendered after halftime. And then there was nickel corner Kyler Gordon.
Activated just before the game, he didn’t play in the first half, but when he hit the field in the second, his presence was felt. He brought energy and stability to a secondary that desperately needed it.
This wasn’t a perfect performance-far from it. But it was the first time in weeks that Allen’s defense looked cohesive, tough, and opportunistic.
And it couldn’t have come at a better time. If the Bears had folded, the conversation this week would’ve been about Allen’s job security.
Injuries or not, another no-show from the defense likely would’ve forced Chicago’s hand.
Instead, Allen bought himself-and his unit-another week. But the challenge only gets tougher from here.
Next up? Sean McVay and the high-octane Los Angeles Rams.
Matthew Stafford is slinging it, Davante Adams is still a nightmare in coverage, and rookie sensation Puka Nacua has emerged as a major weapon. It’s a group that can stretch the field vertically, chew up yards after the catch, and punish defenses that aren’t gap-sound or disciplined on the back end.
And for Allen, this one’s personal. McVay has long been a thorn in his side, dating back to the infamous 2018 NFC Championship Game when Allen was the Saints’ defensive coordinator. That game-marred by a missed pass interference call-still lingers in the minds of many, and you can bet Allen hasn’t forgotten it either.
If Chicago wants to keep its postseason run alive, the defense can’t afford another slow start. Playing at home in brutal weather conditions might help level the playing field, but that alone won’t stop McVay’s offense. Allen’s group will need to bring the same fire, discipline, and adaptability they showed in the second half against Green Bay-only this time, from the opening snap.
The margin for error is shrinking. But if the Bears’ defense can build off what they showed in the second half last week, they’ve got a fighting chance.