Coach Ben Johnson hired Allen to try to offset his own deficiencies. Johnson, 39, has never been a head coach at any level. Allen, 52, was the Raiders’ head coach from 2012 to 2014 and the Saints’ boss the last three seasons. He also has served as the defensive coordinator for the Broncos and Saints.

Edwards and Edmunds have been cornerstones for the Bears defense since arriving in Chicago, totaling over 100 tackles in each of their first two seasons with the team. With Allen moving them both around on defense, and bringing out more of their versatility, they both could be in line for increased production this season.

The defense has a long way to go, but Dennis Allen has liked what he's seen considering where the team was in Phase One back in the spring. Here's where the unit stands, according to the defensive coordinator.