Okay, maybe “good” is too strong an adjective, but the Chicago Bears defense sure as heck isn’t the dumpster fire so many fans told me it’d be this season.
I suppose the takeaway regression has hit in 2026, but it just hasn’t hit as hard as many predicted. They led the league in 2025 with 33 (1.9 per game), and so far through 7 games, they are tied for 7th with 10 (1.4 per game).
The Bears had 35 sacks as a team a season ago (2.1 per game), and this year they’re on a slightly better pace with 17 (2.7
per game).
The Bears are allowing 20.4 points per game this year, down from 24.4 in 2025.
The Bears are allowing a smidge fewer yards through the air this year (225.9) than in 2025 (227.2), but the rushing defense has taken a big turn in the last 7 games, allowing 87.6 yards per game down from 134.5 a season ago.
However, they are allowing more yards per play in 2026 (6.3) compared to last year (6.0).
Complementary football has helped the defense, as Chicago’s improved offense, which leads the league in time of possession (35:30), keeps opposing offenses on the sideline.
But the defense still needs to get stops, and it leads the league in third-down conversions allowed at just 26.1% and ranks second in the league in opponent fourth-down conversion percentage (22.2%).
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has done a good job scheming things up, but he’s also getting solid and surprising play from some of his players.
Can the Bears keep it up on D? What would a defensive addition at the trade deadline do for their chances?
