Ben Johnson, Caleb Williams pay Chicago Bears defense their respect

With Ben Johnson calling the shots and Caleb Williams under center, all eyes are on the Chicago Bears offense. But their improvements on the defensive side has been a catalyst for the franchise’s 7-2 start.

Entering their Week 10 bye week, the Bears rank ninth in total defense, allowing 310.9 yards per game. Considering Chicago finished their 2025 season ranked 29th – allowing 361.8 YPG – defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has been able to coax out a true resurgence to start the year.

The Bears beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-24 in their most recent game. But the Buccaneers’ only touchdowns came on a drive featuring a 58-yard blown coverage pass and when the Bears gave them the ball at their own 17 yard line. There are clearly things to clean up. But Chicago’s defense was better than the box score suggests.

Johnson and Williams took notice. Both coach and player made sure to give the Bears defense their flowers in their postgame press conference

Chicago Bears defense beating expectations

Williams had plenty to thank the defense for, as he threw a career-high four interceptions against Tampa Bay. The fact Chicago still won was a testament to how strong the defense has been in Williams’ eyes, via the quarterback’s postgame presser.

“Those boys played a hell of a game today,” Williams said. “They made big plays when momentum swings happened. [Tampa Bay] went 2-for-12 on third down. They had two interceptions, popped the ball out on one or two and we didn’t end up getting them. They’ve been the number one run defense. [The Buccaneers] were around 100 yards. They’ve been around 200 or 230 for other games.”

“They played lights out today,” he continued. “Especially for how we played on offense and having five turnovers. They carried the load today. That’s who we are, that’s who we’re going to be. We obviously want to be clicking in all three. But when a side of the ball isn’t clicking, we’re going to step up and stand up for each other. Defense did that today and we got to find ways to get better.”

Johnson is focused on developing his offensive gameplan. But he still works in tandem with Allen to see how the defense is developing. In Week 9, the Bears managed to execute the gameplan well and didn’t flinch when things got rocky, via Johnson’s postgame presser.

“They don’t bat an eye, they don’t blink. That’s certainly what DA preaches on that side of the ball. Those guys take a lot of pride in that as well. We needed that tonight.”

The Bears defense will have a chance to continue their stretch against the New Orleans Saints in Week 11. Allen will certainly be looking for victory after previously serving as their head coach.

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