Dennis Allen's intense coaching style, impact of Jaylon Johnson's absence, and other things we learned about the Bears defense after the first five days

The Chicago Bears are five days into training camp and through five days, the defense has started to really shine under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.

This is really going to be a hungry and aggressive unit this upcoming season with talent at all three levels.

Here's some of the main takeaways the unit has shown throughout the first few practice sessions going up against the offense.

What we've learned about the Bears defense following the first five training camp practices 

1. Dennis Allen's defense is causing a lot of trouble

Training camp for Dennis Allen's unit started out as intense as it was when the team left for summer break. All defensive players were required to complete 40 up-downs before taking the field, including players who weren't present on the first day of camp.

Allen is setting a strong standard that his players have quickly bought into and it's been showing up on the field. As has Allen's unique mind when it comes to deploying the various players, coverages, and blitz packages.

"(There’s) not one thing that looks the same on that defense," WR DJ Moore explained. "Everything is different every play. It’s good for us, but I’m glad we don’t have to go against it on Sundays. They’re always playing man, they’re always blitzing. But it’s just always a different way to get to it."

2. Who's stepping up with Jaylon Johnson sidelined?

Jaylon Johnson, the team's top defensive standout, continues to be sidelined due to a leg injury suffered prior to training camp and is expected to miss "weeks" of practice.

In the meantime, life goes on the for the unit, and it's up to the next man up to fill in. That man has largely been Nahshon Wright, who continues to get snaps with the first-team during team drills.

"Man, he’s a baller," WR Rome Odunze said about Wright. "Not many 6’4 corners are out there with his capabilities, suddenness and agility. It’s been a challenge going against him every single day."

As for the other outside spot, Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith have been rotating in and out with the 1's. It's worth noting that rookie Zah Frazier has missed all five days due to what Ben Johnson revealed as a "personal" reason. Once Frazier and Johnson start getting back into the fold, it'll be interesting to see how this position shakes out.

3. LB duo is ready to hit a different stride together

Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards are set to enter into Year 3 in their partnership patrolling the middle of the Bears' defense. In this new system, Edmunds and Edwards will rotate between the MIKE and WILL positions, giving both players the opportunity to maximize their skillsets.

Already we've seen both players giving Caleb Williams issues in the passing game, and it's been Edmunds, who continues to impress his new defensive coordinator.

"I'm anticipating him being an exceptional playmaker for us," Allen said of Edmunds. "He's got size, he's got range, he's got speed. It's hard to throw over him. He's got a lot of length there in the middle of the field. I'm excited to see what he can do. That was a good start, but we've got a long way to go."