​The Chicago Bears struggled to stop the run last season.Injuries destroyed the team’s defensive line, cutting the seasons short for Dayo Odeyingbo and rookie Shemar Turner. Odeyingbo tore his Achilles in Week 9 and then Turner injured his ACL the following game.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementVeteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett dealt with a knee injury, limiting him early through the 2025 season.But the NFL doesn’t give grace to injured teams. There’s still an expectation to perform. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s unit did lead the league with 33 takeaways, but several other categories fell well below the standard.According to Sharp Football Analysis, the Bears ranked towards the bottom of the league in several key run defensive categories.Pressure Rate: 31.5% (28th)No Blitz Pressure Rate: 29.7% (Tied for 29th)Yards Before Contact Per RB Rush: 1.8 (Tied for 31st)Rush Stuff Rate: 15.3% (30th)These metrics are alarming, considering that defensive line also struggled to apply consistent pressure throughout the year. One of the many goals on defense is to try and make the opposing offense one dimensional.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat helps Allen’s play calling, the players’ ability to play fast and, most importantly, limits points. However, that was far from the Bears’ situation last season.Although there has been a heightened emphasis placed on improving the pass rush this offseason, the Bears need an equal amount of time addressing the run defense.The old saying goes, “You must stop the run to earn the right to rush the quarterback.”That applies to this Bears football team. Of course, sacks and takeaways will get individuals on the defense paid. The entire unit can put itself in better positions by stopping the run.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementA harsh reality will also likely hit Allen’s defense. According to The Athletic’s Dan Wiederer, “of the 22 teams that led the league in takeaways between 2006 and 2024 — three seasons had co-leaders — more than half fell out of the top 10 in that category the following season. A dozen teams had a dip of at least 10 takeaways the year after leading the NFL.”The Bears can’t rely on leading the league in takeaways in 2026. Allen’s defense must find ways to limit opposing teams’ rushing attacks. It will help having Odeyingbo, Turner and Jarrett healthy. The Bears also signed defensive tackles Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street and James Lynch to fortify the trenches.Realistically, Chicago shouldn’t aim to become an elite defensive unit overnight. Instead, this defense needs to master the fundamentals, and stopping the run must be at the top of their priority list.