Dennis Allen must get Bears back on track by doing 1 imperative thing on defense
Through seven games this season, the Chicago Bears sit atop the NFL in turnover differential with +10.
This is not only a testament to Dennis Allen's aggressive defense, but also a testament to Ben Johnson's first attempt at creating balance on both sides of the ball. Cornerback Nahshon Wright and safety Kevin Byard are names to watch, with the duo accounting for over a third of Chicago's turnovers.
Of the 16 takeaways Chicago's defense has generated, 10 have directly led to points, with five touchdowns and five field goals. Only three ensuing possessions ended in punts, one in a Caleb Williams interception, and the last two in victory formation.
Nothing Given, Everything Earned
The Bears' defensive turnaround hasn't been about luck; rather, it's been about discipline and angles. Since Allen took over the defense, Chicago fans have seen a significant upturn in defensive production. Though they currently hold a ranking of 25.8 points per game on average, there's still a lot of football left for Allen's defense to prove itself.
This surge in turnovers is impressive, but it's worth noting that the unit is operating within thin margins. Linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga is dealing with a knee injury, while other key players such as Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are facing injuries of their own. These injuries have left the Bears' secondary in desperate need, and hopefully, C.J. Gardner-Johnson can provide some needed support where the Bears really need it.
From Turnovers to Takeover
The Bears' defensive dominance is a subject with a long and winding history. From legendary names such as Buddy Ryan to Vic Fangio, the defensive coordinator spot in Chicago holds some big shoes to fill.
Allen is the most recent name to fill the role, and with him comes a long-standing reputation of defensive success. Bears fans hope Allen can hold an injury-riddled defense in working order long enough for our key players to return.
The Bears aren't just forcing turnovers; they're forging a new standard. Injuries can test their depth, but the identity that Allen and Ben Johnson are building has already taken hold. If Chicago can continue to translate turnovers into wins, this defense might be earning more than just respect.
Falcons’ third straight loss somehow managed to break fans’ hearts all over again
This was a game the Atlanta Falcons should've won. It's the type of game that left the worst possible taste in fans' mouths, and it's not hard to see why. They had a golden opportunity to tie the game at 24 with under five minutes to play, but instead, the Falcons pulled a Falcons.
After a Drake London touchdown reception, Parker Romo missed the ensuing extra point, only amplifying to the kicker woes. Moreover, just a few minutes later, Michael Penix Jr. derailed a potential game-winning drive with a costly intentional grounding call that resulted in a punt rather than points.
Afterward, the defense failed to stop Drake Maye from putting the game on ice, as a third consecutive loss dropped the Dirty Birds to 3-5. After last weekend's disaster against the Dolphins, Atlanta responded admirably against the surging New England Patriots, but it's clear that it wasn't enough.
Falcons missed way too many opportunities to upset the Patriots in Foxborough
In his return to the lineup, Penix completed 22-of-37 passes for 221 yards and a season-high three passing touchdowns—all of which went to London. After Kirk Cousins looked like a fossil in his stead in Week 8, the second-year quarterback put all rumblings of a quarterback controversy to rest.
However, that doesn't mean there weren't growing pains. For the second time in three games, a grounding call prevented Atlanta from adding points in a crucial moment. While it held less bearing against the 49ers in Week 7, it made the difference between 4-4 and 3-5 this afternoon.
While Bijan Robinson failed to surpass 100 scrimmage yards for the third consecutive game, London was the star of the show for Zac Robinson's offense.
The 24-year-old caught nine passes for 118 yards and three scores, while his basketball background paid off in matchups with Marcus Jones and Christian Gonzalez. London may have missed Week 8, but he's making his case for a long-term extension clear for Terry Fontenot.
Not only did the offense looked improved, the defense fared pretty well against a red-hot Drake Maye. Maye was sacked six times and turned the ball over twice, but the second-year gunslinger was the first quarterback to surpass 250 passing yards against Jeff Ulbrich's defense this season.
Luckily, Ulbrich's unit kept New England's run game in check with Rhamondre Stevenson sidelined, but it didn't matter. Almost everything went right, but they still managed to fall on the road. It's even more deflating knowing an overseas trip to Berlin against the Colts is on the docket in Week 10.
And if Raheem Morris doesn't right the ship and rid the Falcons of these minor mistakes, he might be out of a job soon.
