{"id":251139,"date":"2025-10-15T16:24:21","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T20:24:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=251139"},"modified":"2025-10-15T16:24:21","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T20:24:21","slug":"bears-ben-johnson-dennis-allen-saints","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/10\/15\/bears-ben-johnson-dennis-allen-saints\/","title":{"rendered":"Bears HC Ben Johnson Sends a Message on Playing the Saints"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chicago Bears<\/a> head coach Ben Johnson isn’t letting his team’s recent success cloud their focus as they prepare for a critical Week 7 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.<\/a><\/p>\n

Ben Johnson Sends Focused Message Ahead of Bears’ Matchup with Saints<\/h2>\n

Despite the Bears’ improved play and a defense that currently leads the NFL in takeaways per game, Johnson made it clear<\/a> that there will be no room for complacency this week.<\/p>\n

“This is a team that we’re about to play that they have a lot of veteran players that have played at a high level and are a prideful group,” Johnson said ahead of Sunday’s clash. “I probably watched to this point a lot more defense than I have of their offense, but I have a lot of respect for how they play. They’re getting better every week. I talked to DA [Dennis Allen], he feels the same way about their offense. They continue to ascend, and so we won’t overlook this opponent. This is a good football team that’s on the rise.”<\/p>\n

Johnson’s respect for the Saints is paired with a clear message to his own locker room: stay focused on the present.<\/p>\n

“When we have our team meeting here, it’s gonna be pretty clear that what’s in the past is in the past and we’re only focused on this week,” he added.<\/p>\n

The statement echoes the culture Johnson has been instilling since taking over in Chicago, one built on accountability, consistency, and week-to-week growth.<\/p>\n

Dennis Allen’s Influence on Chicago’s Defense<\/h3>\n
\"Dennis
Jul 23, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen speaks during training camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A major storyline heading into this matchup is the familiar face on Chicago’s sideline, former Saints head coach Dennis Allen. The Bears brought in Allen this offseason to serve as the defensive coordinator, and his impact has been immediate.<\/p>\n

Under his leadership, Chicago’s defense has become one of the league’s most opportunistic units, forcing 12 takeaways<\/a> through the first five games (eight interceptions and four forced fumbles). That mark leads the NFL, averaging 2.4 takeaways per game.<\/p>\n

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Not new to this, true to this. \ud83d\ude08 pic.twitter.com\/OmkbjzdtWB<\/a><\/p>\n

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 15, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n