Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is in his first season with the franchise, and he is already doing some great things. 

He came to Chicago after spending the last three seasons as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints. He spent time even more time with the franchise as its defensive coordinator, holding that position since 2015. 

Fast forward to 2025 and his defense leads the NFL in sacks at 20. However, the defense has also allowed the ninth-most passing yards (252.56) and rushing yards per game (135.3). 

While great strides have been made under Allen in year one, there is still room for improvement, and he couldn't agree more. He stated at a recent press conference that he believes the defense isn't even at is full potential yet. 

"Yeah, and yet, I still feel like we're a growing defense," Allen said.  "I don't think we've really even scratched the surface of what I think we can be. But I do know where we were in Week 1 to where we are now, I think there's more of a belief in what we're doing, and a little bit more confidence in our squad." 

Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) on X “We’re a growing defense. I don’t think we really have even scratched the surface of what I think we can do.” Dennis Allen on the Bears defense evolving since Week 1.

With his year first year in Chicago has come a lot of injuries on the defensive side of the ball too. 

The secondary has suffered some significant setbacks, as both Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon missed considerable time with groin injuries. 

For Gordon, however, it started with a hamstring injury that kept him from playing in the first four regular season games. He then played in two games after recovering from that before suffering a groin injury that placed him on the injured reserve. 

Johnson hasn't seen the field since Week 2 and has been on the IR ever since due to the same injury. 

Thursday's injury report included more defensive injuries. Defensive back Jaquan Brisker (back) and linebacker TJ Edwards (hand/hamstring) both didn't practice. However, defensive back Josh Blackwell (concussion), safety Kevin Byard (NIR), linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II (knee), defensive lineman Dominique Robinson (ankle) and defensive back Tyrique Stevenson (shoulder) were all full participants. 

The secondary will need all the help it can get to limit the explosiveness of Minnesota Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson. Jefferson is eighth in the NFL this season in receiving yards with 686 and two touchdowns. 

Minnesota and Chicago kickoff at noon CT from Soldier Field on Sunday as the Bears look for their first divisional win of the season.