Bears Coach Johnson Praised Pass Rusher Odeyingbo

Chicago head coach Ben Johnson commended pass rusher Dayo Odeyingbo following a strong start to the season.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Football

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a Chicago Bears player in an explosive pass-rushing stance, navy blue and orange uniform. — Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson praised Dayo Odeyingbo's defensive performance after the pass rusher's strong start following a 2025 injury. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has praised the performance of pass rusher Dayo Odeyingbo, who returned to the field following a 2025 Achilles injury. The Chicago defense currently ranks third in the NFL in yards allowed per game.

Why it matters

Odeyingbo’s return to form provides a significant boost to a defensive unit that has emerged as a top-ranked group through the first four weeks of the season. His ability to pressure quarterbacks is integral to the team's defensive schemes.

Odeyingbo has recorded 12 total pressures, including three sacks and seven hurries, across his first four games back. The Bears defense is currently allowing an average of 282.3 yards per game.

The players

Ben Johnson

He serves as the head coach of the Chicago Bears.

Dayo Odeyingbo

He is a professional football player who serves as a pass rusher for the Chicago Bears.

The details

Dayo Odeyingbo has demonstrated his impact through seven tackles, seven hurries, and one batted pass, utilizing his length to disrupt opposing offenses. The defense continues to rely on mixed coverage schemes and coordinated rush plans to remain among the league leaders.

Dayo Odeyingbo signed a $48 million contract in 2025.
Odeyingbo missed most of the 2025 season due to an Achilles injury.
Odeyingbo recorded his current defensive statistics during the first four weeks of the 2026 season.
Ben Johnson commented on Odeyingbo's performance on October 6, 2026.

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Season Trajectory

The emergence of Odeyingbo strengthens the Chicago Bears' current playoff positioning by solidifying a top-three ranked defensive unit. His continued health and productivity remain critical factors as the front office evaluates potential additions at the trade deadline.

Odeyingbo’s statistical production, including three sacks in four games, marks him as a high-value defensive asset for fantasy rosters and weekly matchup projections. The team's third-ranked standing suggests high efficiency for the defensive unit in upcoming games.

The takeaway

The return of a healthy pass rusher has transformed the Chicago defense into one of the most efficient units in the league. Teams often rely on this type of internal recovery to anchor defensive performance before looking to the trade market for outside reinforcements.