Chicago Bears: Rising standout earns Dennis Allen endorsement

Imagn Images

Chicago Bears: Rising standout earns Dennis Allen endorsement

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Nov 7, 2026 4:52 PM ET

Defensive line was arguably the biggest question mark on the Chicago Bears entering the 2026 season. However, the managed to hold their own to open the year. Then, the Bears made a blockbuster addition by trading for All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.

Simmons will draw plenty of attention from opposing offensive lines. That should open up lanes for everyone across Chicago’s defensive line. However, there will be plays when Simmons isn’t on the field. In those moments, the Bears need the other defensive tackles to step up even more.

With Kentavius Street suffering a likely season-ending injury, Chicago’s depth has taken a hit. Players like Neville Gallimore, Jordan van den Berg and Jordan Loving will be forced to step up. As will the Bears’ not-so secret weapon.

Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen sees everything across Chicago’s defense. While he may not be a household name, one defensive tackle has been impossible to ignore.

Chicago Bears find diamond in the rough

Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears defensive line James Lynch (97) celebrates with teammates after an interception against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

James Lynch made a name for himself when he intercepted Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold in Week 8’s 34-17 victory. But his contributions to the Bears go far beyond that play. When Allen watches Lynch, he sees a player willing to be fully selfless for the greater good, via CHGO.

“He doesn’t get much attention, at least publicly. But I think he’s playing really well. On any good team, you have to have a lot of role players. Guys that understand what their role is and they play their role exceptionally well. Some of them have to do a lot of the dirty work.”

“This guy does a ton of the dirty work for us,” he continued. “He has been highly effective at doing that. I was really excited and happy for him to be able to make the play.”

"Took him a little while to get down the field. We'll work on that sprint yardage a little bit."

Dennis Allen says James Lynch does the DIRTY WORK for the Bears: pic.twitter.com/7QlV1t31Xb

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) November 6, 2026

Through the seven games he has appeared in, Lynch has put up 18 tackles, two passes defended and his aforementioned pick. His numbers may not jump off the page, but that is almost by design. But the “dirty work” doesn’t always have to show up in the box score. Lynch will continue to be tasked with stopping the run and plugging up any holes on the defensive line.

Simmons will continue to get the headlines, for good reason. But Lynch has become a crucial part of the Bears’ defensive tackle rotation.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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