How much does Dennis Allen’s ‘win now’ messaging matter? 4 questions about the Chicago Bears defense.

It will be a bit before Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen can get everything aligned, install his system and rearrange all the pieces to his liking.But out of the gates, as the Bears jumped into the first phase of their offseason program, Allen at least has been able to communicate his vision.It was very direct, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds said Tuesday.

Its understanding where were at as a football team and understanding how were going to get there.

Obviously the message is the message: We want to win and we want to win now.

I think saying that and being blunt with it is what we needed to hear.The new Bears coaching staff, with Ben Johnson at the forefront, isnt offering an ease-in orientation.

Instead there has been a push for urgency plus directives for players to attack the spring in order to put themselves in position to contend in the fall.Thats true on both sides of the ball.

And while so much of the conversation will center around Johnsons supervision of the offense and his high-priority work in developing quarterback Caleb Williams, Allens defense has its own opportunity to set a tone.As the offseason work continues, here are four key questions about the Bears defense that are worth exploring.1.

How much does Allens early messaging to players matter?It matters.

It definitely matters.Sure, April speeches inside meeting rooms go only so far.

And its important to keep such discussions inside the proper frame.But one of the biggest initial responsibilities for any new coaching staff is to create belief.

And listening to Edmunds talk Tuesday, its clear Allens win and win now rhetoric was well-received.Because thats our mindset going into it, Edmunds said.

Especially the guys who have been here.

We want to win.

And we have the pieces to win.

I think knowing the coaches understand that coming in, its not like, Oh, were going to take the (slow route).

Its like, Nah, this is what weve got.

Now lets put the plan into action.'Allens experience and credibility offer momentum.

Between two failed stints as a head coach most recently with the New Orleans Saints he was a coordinator for eight seasons with the Denver Broncos (2011) and Saints (2015-2021) and has established a reputation as an aggressive play caller who wants his defense in attack mode.Step one during the spring has been to grab the attention of his new players.I can tell just by his energy, his passion, the way he communicates, the tone in which he communicates, Edmunds said.

Its all geared toward, Nah, we want this to happen right now.

Were not waiting for anything.

Lets hit the ground running.2.

What will be the most notable elements of the Bears defensive DNA?Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson speaks with the media on April 8, 2025, at Halas Hall in Lake Forest.

(Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)Under Allen, the Bears will be in man-to-man coverage much more often.

That means a heightened responsibility for the cornerbacks and two-time Pro Bowl selection Jaylon Johnson should become a centerpiece of much of what the Bears try to get done.Johnsons eyes lit up Tuesday when he talked about his expectation to travel more with opponents top receivers.You lock up the No.

1 guy, Johnson said.

No.

1 on No.

1.

Thats what I am looking forward to the most.

Thats what I train for.

Thats what I work hard for.For me, its going to be about that.

Being ready to go out there and lock up, challenge guys, make things harder for the offense and mess up timing.Johnson believes his skill set is ideally suited for Allens defense.

Admittedly, hes still learning what the demands will be for the corners.Technique and consistency, Johnson said.

Thats it.

With a lot of repetitions, thats something you have to be really good at.Being really good down after down just takes consistency.

It takes being in shape.

It takes a certain level of mental and physical strength.

I know what it looks like personally, playing that position my whole life.

Its just being prepared for that mentally and physically.3.

What else will be important to Allens defensive approach?Speed.

Speed.

Speed, general manager Ryan Poles said at last weeks NFL owners meetings.Keep that in mind as the Bears set their draft board and look to upgrade their defensive talent and depth later this month.

Its also a reason the team was attracted to defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency, guaranteeing him $32 million on a three-year, $48 million contract.

That was a bet that Odeyingbos burst and speed will fit well with how Allen plans to utilize him.Poles has been impressed with how well Allen has communicated his defensive vision.

In addition to putting a lot on cornerbacks plates, he has a specific style he wants to establish up front.He wants a very aggressive and attacking defense, Poles said.

Especially on the defensive line.

Its attacking the man in front of you.

Not so much playing laterally, two-gapping or even penetrating in gaps.

Its really just attacking the offensive lineman in front of you and creating disruption in the run game.Then also (its being able) to bubble back into the quarterbacks feet to make it uncomfortable there too.

That mentality is definitely going to be there.

Thats something well get done.Chicago Bears Q&A: Whats a 1st-round scenario thats under the radar? Is there a competition for QB2?Ben Johnson has been pleased with his early connection to Allen.He is very passionate about what his side of the ball is going to be about, Johnson said.

Physicality is No.

1.

Relentless pursuit.

...

He has been doing this for a long time at a high level.And its really fun to be able to sit in meetings with him because he knows exactly what he wants from each position.

He is very detailed.

He is very defined.

I am very encouraged, from just the little snapshot that Ive had with him, with the direction that side of the ball can go.4.

What might that mean for the NFL draft?Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham warms up during the teams spring game on April 20, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich.

(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)Its no secret the Bears are looking to add more firepower to their defensive line.

And an intriguing list of prospects could be available to them at No.

10.That list starts with defensive tackle Mason Graham, a two-time All-American at Michigan.

Graham might not have prototypical size at 6-foot-312 and 296 pounds with 32-inch arms, but he more than makes up for it with his instincts, tenacity and an elite understanding of leverage.Other defensive tackles who could be worth a longer look in the first two rounds include Mississippis Walter Nolen, Michigans Kenneth Grant, Oregons Derrick Harmon and Toledos Darius Alexander.Edge rushers potentially on the menu for Days 1 and 2: Georgias Mykel Williams, Texas A&Ms Shemar Stewart, Tennessees James Pearce Jr., Boston Colleges Donovan Ezeiruaku and Arkansas Landon Jackson.The Bears also might look to add depth at safety and linebacker but could wait until Day 3 to do so.And back to cornerbacks for a moment.

From a traits standpoint, file away East Carolinas Shavon Revel Jr.

as a big, fast, aggressive corner who could be an attractive Day 2 option as a fit for Allens defense.

Kentuckys Maxwell Hairston also might be worth consideration with one of the Bears two second-round picks..

This article has been shared from the original article on chicagotribune, here is the link to the original article.