Frequently Asked Questions
How much has Dennis Allen increased the Bears' stunt rate this season?
Allen increased the Bears' stunt rate from 16.3% in Week 1 to 37.0% in Weeks 2-4, which ranks 6th highest in the NFL. That is a massive shift from his historical range of 15% to 20%.
What is the Bears' blitz rate under Dennis Allen this season?
The Bears are blitzing at a 41% rate in Weeks 2-4, which is the 3rd highest in the league. That's a huge jump from Allen's historical blitz rate of around 20% to 25%.
How has the Bears' defense ranked this season?
The Bears' defense ranks 4th in points allowed and 3rd overall about a month into the season. They have also allowed just 28 points over their last three games.
How effective have the Bears been at generating pressure on stunts?
The Bears are generating pressure on 56% of their stunts in Weeks 2-4, which is an impressive rate. Linebacker Devin Bush alone has racked up 6 pressures on just 18 pass rush snaps.
Why did Dennis Allen change his defensive philosophy this season?
Allen acknowledged that without a dominant pass rusher like Myles Garrett or Maxx Crosby, coaches need to create favorable matchups for their players through stunts and blitzes. He also recognized that the NFL's best defenses have been leaning heavily on these packages with great success.
Erik Lambert
I’m a football writer with more than 15 years covering the Chicago Bears. I hold a master’s degree in the Teaching of Writing from Columbia College Chicago, and my work on Sports Mockery has earned more than twenty million views. I focus on providing analysis, context, and reporting on Bears strategy, roster decisions, and team developments, and I’ve shared insight on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and football podcasts in the U.S. and Europe.
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