Chicago Bears coach admits he’s been using player wrong

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Oct 30, 2025 5:19 PM ET

The Chicago Bears are looking to generate a better pass rush when they play the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. With Austin Booker set to make his first appearance on Sunday, Chicago should look better against the Bengals.

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The Bears are tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for recording 12 sacks this season, which ranks 25th in the league.

With the top four cornerbacks battling injury, the front seven needs to find ways to affect the quarterback.

The Bears signed Dayo Odeyingbo to a three-year $48 million contract this spring hoping he’d help the pass rush. So far, the defensive end has recorded just one sack through seven games.

Dennis Allen hints at using Dayo Odeyingbo in a different way

NFL: Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass against Chicago Bears defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

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During his news conference on Thursday, Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen suggested he had been using Odeyingbo wrong to start the season.

Here is what Allen said when asked about potentially using Odeyingbo to rush on the inside with the return of Booker:

“When we – this offseason, when we evaluated Dayo, I thought that was one of the best things he that he did was the inside rush,” Allen said on Thursday. “We haven’t been able to use him a whole lot in there.

“I think we’ll see how the games play out, but that could let us be able to use him more inside.”

Oedyingbo hasn’t just been ineffective as a pass rusher; he has only eight solo tackles on the year.

Hopefully, Allen can use Odeyinbo in a more efficient way. He’s getting $32 million of his $48 million guaranteed, and he needs to be a staple for the defense.