Dennis Allen gets the last laugh against the Saints and continues to make the most of his new opportunity with the Bears
The Chicago Bears defensive coordinator was a major reason why the team pulled off a win against his former team.
When Dennis Allen was fired by the New Orleans Saints in 2024 after 11 years with the organization, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson saw a golden opportunity to land the ideal candidate for the defensive coordinator role on his first coaching staff.
Going into Week 7 of the 2025 season, Johnson referred to Allen as a “godsend” not only for his ability to run the defense but for the guidance he’s provided Johnson and the rest of the staff.
That glowing review came at the opportune time with Allen set to face his former team, but during the week, Allen didn’t want to dwell on the past and took the high road when repeatedly asked about the Saints and his time in New Orleans.
“Oh, man, look, I mean, 15 years there, a lot of good experiences, a lot of good people, a lot of wins,” Allen said during the week. “We were a part of a lot of success there. I’ve got fond memories of it, but this week is really all about: let’s focus on the football.”
Focus on football, he did. Allen’s defense forced four takeaways against the Saints, paving the way for a 26-14 win. Whether he’ll admit it or not, Allen got the last laugh, and the team made sure to give him proper recognition after the win.
Dennis Allen gifted game ball by Ben Johnson following Week 7 win
While celebrating in the locker room after the win, Johnson presented just one game ball, and it didn’t go to any standout player. No, Johnson gave the ball to his defensive coordinator and opened the floor for Allen to send a pretty heartfelt message to the players.
“Sometimes the good Lord just has a freaking plan for you that you don’t know about. And sometimes, you ain’t good enough for somewhere else,” Allen said in the locker room. “That’s perfectly fine. I love being here and I love being with this group of guys.”
Allen’s defense has been on a roll over the last few games and is playing like one of the top units in the league. With four turnovers on Sunday, the Bears’ season total is now up to 16, including 15 in the team’s last four games.
“They come in bunches,” Johnson said of the turnovers after the win. “We have a method in place in how we practice it. It’s just really working for us right now. It’s been the foundation for us.”
It’s not just the turnovers. The Bears have been flying all over the place defensively, and while the unit gives up some big plays from time to time, the overall result speaks for itself since Week 2’s loss against the Detroit Lions.
Credit goes to Allen for that. He’s single-handedly sparked a new mentality for the Bears’ defense, and with the talented roster of players, the Monsters of the Midway might be back.
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