CHICAGO (Oct. 19, 2025) — The storylines were impossible to ignore, even if Dennis Allen tried his best to downplay them. For the first time since being fired as the New Orleans Saints’ head coach last November, Allen — now the Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator — faced his former team. And his defense made sure it was a reunion he’ll never forget.

The Bears’ defense forced four turnovers, registered four sacks, and smothered the Saints’ struggling offense in a 26–14 victory Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field, giving Chicago its fourth straight win and pushing its record to 4–2. The Bears matched their longest winning streak since 2018, when they last captured the NFC North crown.

Allen, who spent 15 of his past 20 years in New Orleans as a player, assistant, or head coach, insisted all week that this was “just another game.” But his players knew better.

“He didn’t make it about himself this entire week,” said veteran safety Kevin Byard, who tallied an interception. “But we all knew what this one meant. You could see it in his eyes — this was personal.”

After the game, Bears head coach Ben Johnson awarded Allen the game ball, prompting an emotional locker room moment.

“Sometimes, the good Lord just has a plan for you that you don’t see coming,” Allen told his players. “Sometimes, you’re not good enough for somewhere else — and that’s perfectly fine. Because right now, I love being here. I love this group.”

Takeaway City

Allen’s defense delivered one of its best performances of the season, continuing a turnover tear that’s fueled Chicago’s resurgence. The Bears have now forced 16 takeaways through six games, including three interceptions and a strip-sack against the Saints.

Edge rusher Montez Sweat set the tone early, blasting into the backfield for a strip-sack that led to a Jake Moody field goal and a 3–0 lead. Cornerback Nahshon Wright flipped momentum later in the first quarter, intercepting Spencer Rattler and returning it deep into Saints territory, setting up the first touchdown of the game.

Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds anchored the unit with a sack and a fourth-quarter interception, while defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. applied constant pressure up the middle.

“Our defense was relentless,” said Johnson. “They played with emotion, but also with control. That’s Dennis’ identity, and it’s starting to become ours.”

Swift and Monangai Power the Run Game

While Chicago’s defense took center stage, the offense did its job controlling the pace. The Bears rushed for 222 yards behind another monster performance from D’Andre Swift, who carried 19 times for 124 yards and a touchdown — his second consecutive 100-yard game.

Rookie Kyle Monangai added a spark off the bench, racking up 81 yards and a touchdown, giving Chicago a balanced one-two punch in the backfield.

Quarterback Caleb Williams, though inconsistent at times, made enough plays to keep the offense moving. He completed 15 of 26 passes for 172 yards and an interception, managing the game effectively against a Saints defense that struggled to contain Chicago’s ground attack.

“Running the football is who we are,” Johnson said. “We want to make teams feel us for four quarters — and I think we’re starting to do that.”

Saints’ Slide Continues

For the New Orleans Saints (1–6), the season continues to unravel. The loss marked their fifth straight defeat and their worst start since 1999, when Hall of Famer Mike Ditka patrolled the sidelines.

Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler showed flashes of promise but ultimately struggled against Chicago’s pressure. He completed 20 of 32 passes for 233 yards, tossing three interceptions and failing to find a rhythm until late in the first half.

Wideout Chris Olave was the lone bright spot for New Orleans, catching five passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns, including a 57-yard grab that set up a score just before halftime and a 14-yarder on the opening drive of the third quarter to cut the deficit to 20–14.

Running back Alvin Kamara, limited to 41 rushing yards, admitted afterward that the Saints lacked energy and focus.

“We’ve got to find some fire,” Kamara said. “We’re better than this. Everybody’s got to dig deep and find that want-to again.”

Finishing Strong

After the Saints closed to within six, Chicago reasserted control with a time-consuming drive early in the fourth quarter. Moody, filling in for injured kicker Cairo Santos, nailed two clutch field goals — from 33 and 42 yards — to stretch the lead to 26–14. Edmunds’ late interception sealed the win.

The Bears’ locker room afterward was all smiles, but the message from Johnson was clear: the job isn’t finished.

“This team’s learning how to win,” he said. “We’re not perfect, but we’re tough, we’re resilient, and we believe in each other. That’s the Chicago way.”

With the victory, the Bears remain one of the NFC’s hottest teams heading into Week 8, while the Saints head home searching for answers — and perhaps, for their lost identity.

Final Score: Bears 26, Saints 14.