In the world of professional football, the phrase ‘win now’ resonates deeply, especially for teams that are on the cusp of either contention or collapse. For coaches, particularly those who find themselves under the microscope after lackluster seasons or organizational turmoil, the messaging around winning immediately is a critical tool. Dennis Allen, head coach of the New Orleans Saints, has been consistent in his messaging to his players and the organization—his focus is on winning now. However, as NFL teams often show, there’s a difference between the ideal and the reality when it comes to building a championship contender. This contrast becomes all the more apparent when dissecting defensive units that are expected to carry a team into a successful season. The Chicago Bears’ defense, for instance, faces an uphill battle as they aim to capitalize on the ‘win now’ mentality preached by Allen but on their own terms.
The messaging from Allen—especially as it pertains to a defense-heavy approach—isn’t a blanket concept that fits all teams. While Allen has had the luxury of a seasoned quarterback in the form of Drew Brees and an established defense, his experience doesn’t necessarily translate seamlessly to the Bears, who are looking to rebuild and re-establish themselves as contenders after a period of mediocrity. The Chicago Bears defense, despite its storied history, is not at the peak of its powers right now, and questions about its structure and future loom large.
At the heart of this issue, four significant questions emerge when considering how Dennis Allen’s “win now” messaging impacts the Bears and their defense.
- Can the Bears defense be trusted to carry the load for a rebuilding offense?
A “win now” approach often hinges on the assumption that a team’s defensive unit can carry a considerable portion of the weight, especially when the offense is in transition or struggling. This is particularly true for teams like the Bears, whose offense has been inconsistent at best in recent seasons. The defense is usually expected to keep games competitive while the offense finds its rhythm. But the question remains: Can the Bears’ defense truly be trusted to handle the pressure in a “win now” setting?
In recent seasons, the Bears have had flashes of brilliance on defense. They’ve featured some standout players like linebacker Roquan Smith, who was a defensive cornerstone, and Khalil Mack, one of the premier pass rushers in the league. However, the overall unit has faced its own challenges. Injuries have plagued key players, and their secondary has been prone to lapses. In 2022, for example, the Bears allowed a staggering 27.2 points per game, ranking 22nd in the NFL. While they’ve always had a fierce defensive culture, their inability to consistently generate turnovers or get key stops in high-pressure situations has prevented them from becoming a truly dominant force.
Furthermore, under the leadership of Matt Eberflus, the Bears are transitioning into a defensive system focused on pressure and turnovers. Whether that system can evolve quickly enough to put them in a position to contend while they work on developing Justin Fields as their franchise quarterback remains to be seen. In the “win now” context, this pressure on the defense to perform at a high level becomes even more intense.
For the Bears to truly be a contender in a “win now” scenario, their defense will need to improve drastically, especially in terms of discipline and consistency. The ‘win now’ mindset would require a defense that can step up at crucial moments, something that has been lacking in the past seasons.
- How much can the Bears’ defensive line improve under pressure?
One of the core pillars of any defense is the play of the defensive line. The front four, or front seven in some cases, plays a crucial role in not only applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks but also stopping the run. For the Bears to succeed under a “win now” philosophy, their defensive line must perform better than it has in recent years.
The Bears’ defensive line has been a mixed bag of talent and inconsistency. They’ve got some promising pieces like defensive tackle Justin Jones, who showed flashes of brilliance, and edge rusher Trevis Gipson, who has the potential to become a game-changer. Yet, the pressure on opposing quarterbacks has often been minimal, which has led to a lack of overall success for the defense. For a “win now” mindset to be effective, this group must apply consistent pressure and create havoc in the backfield.
One of the major areas of concern for the Bears’ defensive line has been their pass rush. Chicago ranked 30th in the NFL in sacks in 2022, a statistic that paints a clear picture of the need for improvement. Without the ability to disrupt the opposing quarterback, a defense becomes more susceptible to big plays and sustained drives.
For the Bears, the question lies in whether they can develop the defensive line into a dominant force capable of setting the tone early and often. This would require not only improved individual performances but also better coordination and coaching. With new players coming in, the opportunity exists for the Bears to revamp their defensive line and meet the high expectations that come with the “win now” philosophy.
- How does the secondary stack up in a ‘win now’ season?
The secondary of a defense is often the last line of defense—and it’s the area that can either make or break a team when it comes to closing out games and preventing big plays. For the Bears, the secondary has been an area of focus for years. While players like Eddie Jackson have provided some stability at safety, the cornerback position has been a revolving door, with inconsistent performances leading to blown coverages and missed opportunities.
If the Bears are to have any chance of becoming a contender under a “win now” mindset, their secondary must be able to perform at a higher level. They need to be able to shut down elite receivers, create turnovers, and step up in key moments when the defense is on the field in critical situations.
While the Bears have made some changes to their secondary in recent years, it remains an area of uncertainty. The addition of new talent like cornerback Tyrique Stevenson could prove to be a game-changer if he can step up and play at a high level. However, with a young and developing secondary, the consistency needed to contend in a “win now” scenario is still in question.
- Will the Bears’ defense adapt quickly enough to Matt Eberflus’ system?
Matt Eberflus, who took over as head coach of the Bears in 2022, brought with him a defensive philosophy that emphasizes discipline, speed, and turnover creation. This system is built on the idea of swarming to the ball, creating pressure, and winning in the trenches. However, implementing a new defensive system can often take time, especially when a team is trying to find a balance between rebuilding and contending.
Under Eberflus, the Bears are in the early stages of transitioning to this new defensive approach, and the success of this system will play a large part in whether or not they can achieve the goals set by a “win now” approach. With veterans like linebacker Roquan Smith (before he was traded), the Bears have had some strong leadership on the field, but whether or not the defense can adjust to a new coaching philosophy and perform at a high level in critical games remains to be seen.
The pressure on Eberflus to install his system quickly and effectively is immense, especially given the high expectations of the “win now” mindset. If the defense can quickly adapt and execute at a high level, they will be able to give the offense a fighting chance. But if there are growing pains with the system, it could hold back the team’s ability to contend.
In conclusion, Dennis Allen’s “win now” philosophy offers a potent challenge for any team, especially one like the Chicago Bears, which is in the process of rebuilding. The effectiveness of the defense in this scenario will depend largely on its ability to perform consistently, adapt to new coaching systems, and stay healthy. For the Bears, the path forward is complicated by these numerous challenges, but with the right development and a commitment to the process, they could become a serious contender sooner than expected. Whether the Bears defense can rise to the occasion remains one of the most compelling storylines for this season and beyond.