The Chicago Bears defense had their best game of the season on third down in Week 4, preventing the New York Jets from picking up a single third down conversion on their seven attempts.
In fact, Chicago has the second-best third-down conversion percentage through the first month of the season. They have only allowed nine third down conversions all season on 38 attempts (23.68%).
Their success on third down, particularly in the past three games, is part of what has made the Bears’ defense so dangerous. Head coach Ben Johnson said that is a result of defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s defensive scheme which prioritizes having the run defense and pass defense work together. That balance is what allows their defense to have success on third down.
“DA always talks about that marriage between the rush and the coverage and how important it is that they’re both working together,” Johnson said. “I do think the windows are smaller on the back end, and I think our rush integrity is a lot more sound than maybe it had been in the past as well. Guys understand what we’re trying to get done. There’s a lot of unselfish football being played right now in terms of not worrying about getting the sacks themselves and more worried about finding a way to affect the quarterback as a team.”
Chicago’s next challenge will be against the Green Bay Packers in the Bears’ second NFC North game of the season. Green Bay happens to be the worst team in the NFL in third down conversions having only converted 26.1 percent of their third downs this season. The Bears should have success on both sides of the ball given the Packers’ weaknesses seem to perfectly align with Chicago’s strengths this season.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Ben Johnson sounds off on Bears defense's success on third down
