Bears defense focused on elevating the standard

Becoming one of the best defensive units in the NFL has been a main topic of conversation during the team’s offseason program. Several members of the offense including offensive lineman Teven Jenkins, tight end Cole Kmet and receiver Keenan Allen have lauded the Bears defense for its high energy, playmaking ability and cohesiveness.

“They look like a top 5 defense,” Allen said. “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 hooray celebration. These guys are running up and down the sideline. … Their energy, the way they communicate, the way they get lined up, definitely high class.”

Heading into his third NFL season, Gordon has adopted the mindset of actions speaking louder than words when it comes to the defense’s talent. Despite the continuous discussion of where the Bears defense could rank this season, Gordon is more interested in showing that growth on the field.

“I’m all about proving it,” Gordon said. “You can say a lot of things. I would say that I definitely feel a lot from the defense as far as chemistry, energy and just the type of timing that we’re on. For all of us to be on the same page and a step further than last year, I picture a lot of things for us in the future. I’m just excited.”

A lot of the group’s energy and celebratory nature stems from the Bears secondary, which returns starters Gordon, Jaylon Johnson, Jaquan Brisker and Tyrique Stevenson and now includes two-time Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard III.

Aside from Byard, who enters his ninth NFL season, 25-year-old Johnson is the most seasoned starter in the backend. The cornerback, who made his first Pro Bowl in 2023, inked a four-year extension with the Bears this spring, allowing for continuity that benefits both Johnson and a young Bears defense.

“That’s why we’re so excited,” Johnson said, “just to be able to come in with a sense of momentum, not having too many guys that [are new]. I mean, Kevin of course is new, but he’s been in the league a long time so he knows how to play the game and he can learn. Just having consistency within the guys [and] having a certain level of experience and a certain level of hunger and everybody just understanding what the standard is and what we want to accomplish.”

As for as Johnson’s personal motivations following his new contract, he has his sights set on “being the best corner in…