Bears S Jaquan Brisker discusses his expectations for the defense of Dennis Allen

Jaquan Brisker, entering his third season as a safety for the Chicago Bears, has become one of the key players on a defense that has made strides under the leadership of defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Known for his hard-hitting style, smart playmaking ability, and leadership qualities, Brisker is poised to be a centerpiece in the Bears’ defense as they look to solidify themselves as one of the toughest units in the league. In this article, we delve into Brisker’s expectations for the defense in 2025, focusing on the key philosophies under Allen’s defensive scheme, the challenges ahead, and how Brisker plans to take on a leadership role as the Bears aim to improve from a disappointing 2024 season.

Dennis Allen’s Defensive Philosophy

Dennis Allen, who has served as the Bears’ defensive coordinator since 2023, is known for his aggressive, disciplined approach to defense. His philosophy centers around creating pressure on the quarterback while maintaining a strong secondary that can shut down the opposing passing game. Allen’s defense is based on a solid 4-3 front with dynamic play from the linebackers and an emphasis on ball-hawking from the defensive backs.

Under Allen’s system, each player is expected to perform their specific role but also contribute to the overall unit. It’s not about relying on individual brilliance but rather about teamwork and consistency. Allen’s approach emphasizes the importance of depth, rotation, and keeping offensive lines guessing with varied blitzes and coverage schemes.

For Brisker, whose strengths lie in his ability to read plays, make tackles in open space, and disrupt passing lanes, Allen’s defense provides a fertile ground for growth. The safety position, in particular, is integral in this scheme, with Brisker often tasked with the dual responsibility of being a centerfielder in coverage and a run defender who can support the front seven in critical situations.

Jaquan Brisker’s Role in the Defense

Brisker’s expectations for the Bears’ defense in 2025 are high, and it’s clear he sees the potential for this unit to become a dominant force in the league. Speaking about the upcoming season, Brisker noted that a major focus for the defense would be to become more consistent in all phases, particularly in creating turnovers and maintaining pressure on quarterbacks.

“We want to be a defense that creates chaos,” Brisker explained. “We need to get after the quarterback, create turnovers, and make offenses uncomfortable. That’s what Dennis preaches every day—making the game tough for the other team.”

As a safety, Brisker is tasked with being the last line of defense while also being a playmaker on the ball. In 2024, Brisker made significant contributions with interceptions, pass deflections, and key tackles. But this year, he believes the defense as a whole must take it to the next level.

“We’ve been working on being more disruptive,” Brisker added. “It’s about making the offense do what we want them to do. We’ve got to be aggressive and put pressure on them, whether it’s in the passing game or the run game. I’m confident that we have the guys who can make those plays.”

Communication and Leadership in the Secondary

As a player who thrives in his role as a communicator on the field, Brisker is looking to take on an even greater leadership role in 2025. His vocal presence in the secondary has been one of his standout qualities, helping to keep the defense organized and focused. Under Allen’s system, the ability to communicate on the fly is essential, especially in a defense that often uses multiple looks and adjustments to keep the offense guessing.

“The key is being on the same page with your teammates,” Brisker stated. “You can’t have mental lapses when the ball is snapped. That’s something we’ve been focusing on in the offseason—making sure we’re all communicating, all the time, no matter what the situation is.”

In 2024, the Bears secondary showed promise but also experienced growing pains. Brisker’s leadership will be crucial in ensuring that the secondary improves its ability to cover explosive wide receivers and limit big plays. With cornerbacks like Kyler Gordon and rookie sensation Tyrique Stevenson alongside him, Brisker is expected to lead by example, both in terms of communication and execution.

The secondary’s success will be heavily influenced by Brisker’s ability to recognize offensive formations, anticipate routes, and position himself for optimal coverage. The Bears are also looking for Brisker to continue his development in terms of creating more turnovers. With his nose for the ball and aggressive style of play, Brisker has the potential to be one of the top safeties in the NFL.

The Pressure to Improve: Team Expectations and Individual Goals

As the Bears head into 2025, the pressure is on for the defense to take a step forward. Chicago’s offense is projected to be more potent with the continued development of quarterback Justin Fields and an upgraded offensive line, which means the defense must do its part to keep the team competitive in an increasingly difficult NFC North.

Brisker recognizes the importance of a strong defense but remains focused on the bigger picture. “We have to do our job, but it’s a team effort. If the offense scores, it’s our job to make sure we respond and get the ball back for them. If they don’t score, we have to make sure we put them in a position to succeed.”

He also understands that the defense’s performance will be pivotal in securing a playoff spot, especially with the high-powered offenses in the NFC. The defensive line, with players like Yannick Ngakoue and Trevis Gipson, will need to provide consistent pressure on the quarterback to allow the secondary to do its job more effectively. Brisker is hoping that the entire defense can operate as a cohesive unit, constantly improving on their ability to disrupt plays.

“I think we have what it takes to be one of the top defenses in the league,” Brisker said with confidence. “But we’ve got to stay focused on the little things—finishing plays, making the tackles we’re supposed to make, and getting the ball back for our offense. If we can do that, the rest will take care of itself.”

Building on 2024: Areas for Improvement

While Brisker is optimistic about the 2025 season, he is also aware of the areas where the defense can improve. One area that has been a consistent focus for Brisker and the Bears coaching staff is the tackling efficiency, especially in open space. Missed tackles were a major issue in 2024, and Brisker has taken it upon himself to help correct that issue.

“Last year, we had a lot of missed tackles in critical moments, and that hurt us,” Brisker admitted. “This offseason, we’ve put a big emphasis on our tackling drills. It’s all about getting to the ball, being in the right position, and making sure we don’t give up extra yards.”

In addition to tackling, Brisker and his teammates are working on their ability to create turnovers. While the Bears were solid in pass defense in 2024, they struggled to consistently generate turnovers. This is something Brisker is passionate about, especially after seeing the impact of turnover-heavy defenses in recent seasons.

“We have the talent to create turnovers,” Brisker said. “We just need to make sure we’re more aggressive in those situations. If we can turn the ball over more, we can change the game and give our offense more opportunities.”

 A Year of Growth for Jaquan Brisker and the Bears’ Defense

Jaquan Brisker is ready to lead the Bears’ defense in 2025, with his eyes firmly set on improving the defense’s performance under Dennis Allen’s tutelage. With a focus on communication, tackling, and generating turnovers, Brisker is confident that the defense will take a significant leap forward. The challenges are plenty, but with a strong supporting cast, a promising defensive scheme, and Brisker’s leadership, the Bears’ defense has the potential to become a true powerhouse in the NFC.

If Brisker and the defense can rise to the occasion and execute at a high level, the Bears could make a serious run at the playoffs in 2025. It all starts with Brisker’s ability to continue his development as one of the league’s top safeties and as a leader on a defense that is determined to prove itself as one of the most feared units in the league. With high expectations and a clear focus on improving every aspect of their game, the Bears’ defense is ready to make 2025 their most successful season yet.