Bears HC Ben Johnson on challenge of facing 49ers DC Robert Saleh'

After spending multiple years as the head coach for the New York Jets, Robert Saleh made his way back to the San Francisco 49ers this offseason, taking back his former position as the defensive coordinator.

While the 49ers haven't had the highest success in the NFL on defense, they've done a formidable job while playing without their top linebacker in Fred Warner and pass rusher Nick Bosa.

Being the offensive-minded coach that he is, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson knows a good defense and a good defensive coach when he is matched up against one. Ahead of their Sunday Night Football matchup, Johnson gave plenty of credit to Saleh and his defensive unit, crediting them for how hard they play, week in and week out.

"It all starts with – I shouldn't say all, but it starts with play style with them," Johnson said. "It's been that way ever since he's been coaching. I think I went against the Jets one time when he was there. It was a trademark of that defense. It's a trademark of San Francisco's defense. Now these guys go all out every single snap. They try to get as many defenders in the frame at the end of the play that you possibly can. I think that right there, when you know it's a play style like that, that's a challenge in and of itself because they could potentially out effort you if you allow them to do that."

Johnson recognized the challenge for the Bears this week, where the 49ers present a unique front that's difficult to simulate in practice.

"Those guys come flying off the ball," Johnson said. "It's a unique front, speed at the second level, good cover guys. He mixes up the coverages. It used to be you could just count on it being cover three, that’s not that case anymore. He does a good job mixing in the mans, the shell coverages. It has a little bit more front variety than maybe he's had in the past. It makes it very, very difficult. But I always stand firm, the trademark of a Robert Saleh defense is how hard they play. And that shows up on tape."

Saleh has long had a reputation of a great defensive-minded coach and now, even without his best players on the field, he's made the 49ers a respectable defensive unit that commands the respect of their opponents.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears HC Ben Johnson on challenge of facing 49ers DC Robert Saleh'