CHICAGO (AP) — As much as Dennis Allen downplayed going against his former team, his players weren't buying it. This one had to mean a little more.

Allen’s defense dominated, and the Chicago Bears beat the New Orleans Saints 26-14 on Sunday for their fourth straight win.

Allen, the Bears’ defensive coordinator, was facing the Saints for the first time since they fired him as head coach midway through last season after 2 1/2 years.

“He didn't make it about himself this entire week, he didn't mention anything about it,” safety Kevin Byard said. “But just me being a veteran, I know. This meant a lot for him.”

Allen spent 15 of the past 20 years in New Orleans either as an assistant under Sean Payton or head coach. He was part of a Super Bowl-winning staff.

Allen was the Saints' defensive

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