Bears HC Ben Johnson shares early impressions working with DC Dennis Allen

USA Today

3 days ago

Bears HC Ben Johnson shares early impressions working with DC Dennis Allen
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is entering his first year as the guy in charge, but he's surrounded himself with an experienced coaching staff to make the transition a smooth one. There's perhaps no one more important on his staff than defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
Allen brings plenty of experience to the table, be it as a defensive play caller or a head coach, and that will be vital for Johnson as a first-time head coach. Not only does Johnson have someone he can entrust to lead the defense while he focuses on the offense, but Johnson can also turn to Allen when it comes to operating as a head coach.
Johnson recently shared his early impressions working with Allen through this portion of the offseason program, and he's learned plenty from the veteran defensive coordinator through team or individual meetings.
'I've had the pleasure of sitting in on a number of his meetings so far, and it's everything I thought it would be," Johnson said. "He's a guy that's done it at a high level. He's coordinated, he's orchestrated a number of high performing defenses. Whether it's points allowed, whether it's third down defense, whether it's red zone, he's got a plan. He's super smart.
"We were just sitting in my office yesterday talking about some game management things that have popped up – whether it's here in Chicago, where I was in the past, where he was in the past and we see the game naturally the same way. He's aggressive by nature. I can appreciate that about him. I think he's got a great message every time these guys walk into the building and go to one of his meetings. I'm really excited about working with him.'
While there's been plenty of discussion about Johnson's impact on this offense -- be it from a scheme standpoint or Caleb Williams' development -- Allen's impact on this defense shouldn't be overlooked. This is a loaded roster with Pro Bowl talent in cornerback Jaylon Johnson and defensive end Montez Sweat, as well as some young, rising stars in cornerback Kyler Gordon, defensive tackle Gervon Dexter and safety Jaquan Brisker.
Allen is looking to establish an aggressive style of defense, which players have already embraced. And once training camp kicks off, we'll be sure to see that dominant, defensive mentality in all of its glory.
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