The Chicago Bears were down six defensive starters for the game on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, and Dayo Odeyingbo. They would end up losing Tyrique Stevenson midway through the game. All that remained was a few quality veterans and a long list of backups. Asking Dennis Allen to stop a pretty solid Steelers offense in those conditions was unfair. Yet the defensive coordinator had no choice but to try.
Once the dust settled at Soldier Field, Bears fans were witnesses to a miracle. Allen performed levels of witchcraft we haven’t seen on this coaching staff since Vic Fangio left. While Pittsburgh scored 28 points, they were aided by some uncharacteristic turnovers from Chicago’s offense. Allen held Mason Rudolph to just 171 yards passing with an interception and a strip-sack. The Steelers scored only seven points in the second half. Everything about that performance was thanks to Allen’s remarkable skills.
The man was worth every penny the Bears paid him and more.
Dennis Allen is a problem-solver.
People will go straight to the box scores and stat sheets and say the Bears defense has been horrible this year. That tells you how little they pay attention. Every time this team has needed a stop, a sack, or a turnover, it feels like Dennis Allen finds a way to manufacture. His ability to adapt to situations and get creative with his attacks has kept opposing offenses off balance. Holding the Steelers under 30 was a massive accomplishment, knowing half the defensive roster was missing.
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The good news is he should have reinforcements on the way. There is a strong possibility that Johnson and Gordon could be back next Friday for the big showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles. Maybe Edwards as well. Stopping Jalen Hurts and that loaded offense will be far tougher. Either way, Allen will likely get another game ball for this performance—an unbelievable job.
