Chicago Bears’ Dennis Allen sends ‘aggressive’ warning shot to NFL

To define the Chicago Bears’ 2026 defense, coordinator Dennis Allen would use the word aggressive. That was made clear when the franchise traded for All-Pro defensive tackle Jeremy Simmons.

But the Bears propensity to send pressure was known well before Simmons’ arrival. Entering Week 9, Chicago’s 34.6 percent blitz rate is ninth-highest in the NFL, via Sharp Football Analysis. Furthermore, the team’s 22 sacks are fifth-highest in the league.

With Simmons on the roster, Allen can get even more creative with his schemes. He has routinely sent slot cornerback Kyler Gordon screaming from the edge. Now imagine having to deal with that pressure as Simmons charges forward up the middle.

Allen isn’t hiding that aspect of his game plan. The Bears aggressive mindset isn’t changing anytime soon.

Dennis Allen dialing up Chicago Bears aggression

The Bears are no longer the laughing stock of the NFL. They are the reigning NFC North champions and are strong contenders in 2026 with their 6-2 record. Chicago has been able to control the pace and force teams to play under their standards.

Allen wants that trend to continue. But that can only happen if the Bears stay combative, via CHGO.

“You’re never stealing second with your foot sitting there on first base,” Allen said. “You have to be aggressive. You have to be confident and dictate the terms to the offense. I’ve been in games where you’re kind of sitting back, trying to play defensive mode. That just doesn’t really suit me nor do I think it suits us.”

“We’re going to do and do whatever it is we think gives us the best chance for success,” he continued. “Some of them, good calls based on the outcome. Some of them bad based on the outcome. But I don’t really look at it that way.”

“You’re never stealing second with your foot sitting there on first base. You have to be aggressive.”

– Dennis Allen pic.twitter.com/LcDppvrnyW

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) November 6, 2026

While Chicago has had some struggles in the secondary, they enter Week 9 ranked seventh in total defense, allowing 305.8 yards per game. The Bears will try to improve that metric when they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Allen will be trying to force chaos in the opposing backfield all game.

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