Keenan Allen Praises Bears Defense as 'Top 5' Unit
Keenan Allen Praises Bears Defense as 'Top 5' Unit
New Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen took to the field for the first time at Halas Hall on Tuesday, marking the start of mandatory minicamp and his initial encounter with Chicago's defense.
The Bears' defense, known for its boisterous nature from last year's training camp, brought the noise Allen expected. Returning most of their key starters, this unit left a significant impression on the new receiver.
During Tuesday's practice, the offense showed moments of strength in the 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills. However, the defense dominated the two-minute drills, forcing two three-and-outs. Allen took notice.
«They look like a top 5 defense,» Allen remarked. «They sound like a top 5 defense, too. Defenses are annoying, especially at practice. You just hear them every time they make a play. It's a hooray celebration. These guys are running up and down the sideline. So it's annoying.
«Offense, we get a first down. One guy just trots around. He comes back to the huddle. Everybody is like, �OK, what's the next play?' You don't really see too much: �YEAHHHHHH!' You don't really get all that just because somebody did a rip-through and got back to the quarterback. So it is what it is. Their energy, the way they communicate, the way they get lined up, definitely high-class.»
While rookie Caleb Williams and the offense have garnered much of the offseason attention, the defense is positioning itself as a formidable force in the NFL this season.
Despite a rocky start in 2023, Chicago finished with a top-five defense. They return key players like cornerback Jaylon Johnson and defensive end Montez Sweat, and boast one of the league's best linebacker corps with Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. The young secondary also shows promise to emerge as a top-tier group.
The offense, featuring one of the league's best receiver trios, a highly-touted rookie quarterback, and other potent weapons, promises some thrilling battles this summer. Ultimately, this dynamic ensures that iron sharpens iron.
| POLL | ||
5 JUIN | 36 ANSWERS Keenan Allen Praises Bears Defense as 'Top 5' Unit Do you think the Bears' defense will finish the season in the top 5? | ||
| Yes | 29 | 80.6 % |
| No | 7 | 19.4 % |
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