Nine months ago, defensive end Montez Sweat joined the Bears’ defense, which had shown promise during the first half of the 2023 season. Acquired from Washington on October 31, Sweat quickly improved the unit’s performance, a change Coach Matt Eberflus referred to as the “‘Tez Effect.”
Last season, Sweat made NFL history by leading the league in sacks for two different teams and earning his first Pro Bowl selection. He established himself as a key player for the Bears, both on the field and in the locker room.
Now, with a full offseason and his first Bears training camp underway, Sweat anticipates taking on additional responsibilities and expectations. The standout pass rusher is ready to rise to the challenge.
“Yeah, that’s natural,” Sweat said to reporters after the Bears’ first training camp practice on Saturday. “It comes with the territory. I embrace it all wholeheartedly. It’s definitely a bigger role.”
After joining a new defense midseason and adapting quickly, Sweat is excited about the chance to participate in an entire training camp and preseason with the Bears.
“Oh, it’s a completely different experience,” Sweat said. “We’re starting from scratch, with Install 1. Instead of coming in with a playbook where everyone else already knows the system, I’m learning it alongside them, going through the process, and applying the knowledge I gained from last year to this year.”
A key part of this process is gaining a better understanding of his teammates’ cues and improving communication across the defensive line.
“I enjoy moving along the line and executing stunts with my inside linemen; it helps me get the terminology down,” Sweat explained. “Today, I was discussing with D-Walk (DeMarcus Walker) his signals and what he might use on the field. This proactive approach helps us avoid starting from scratch and allows us to get things sorted during the preseason so we can hit the ground running come Week 1.”
Sweat has already made a strong start. Eberflus mentioned on Friday that the pass rusher “returned in excellent condition,” which the head coach sees as a crucial first step towards Sweat reaching new heights in 2024.
“That’s the most important thing—he looks like he’s in great shape,” Eberflus said. “It’s the first step so he can put together more quality reps, stacking them up, whether it’s eight, ten, or however many are needed to achieve our goals.”
Even without the continuity that Sweat now enjoys with his teammates as he heads into his first full season in Chicago, the “‘Tez Effect” was evident in his nine games with the Bears in 2023. During those games, the defense saw a significant improvement: its sack total doubled from 10 to 20, its ranking in yards allowed jumped from 23rd to 12th, and its takeaways surged from a tie for 22nd to fifth.
Sweat’s impact extended beyond the field, energizing the entire locker room. From his perspective, the foundation was already strong before his arrival.
“When I got here, I sensed a hungry and resilient group,” Sweat said. “They were humble and willing to sacrifice for each other, and they wanted to play hard for one another. That’s why we were able to elevate as a team, and we plan to continue doing the same this season.”
Although Sweat quickly bonded with his new teammates and coaches when he arrived last October, he now has the chance to deepen those connections, particularly with defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr.
Dexter, who was among those who benefited from Sweat’s presence during his rookie season, saw all of his 2.5 sacks come in Weeks 14-17. The Florida native is vying for more playing time at the 3-technique position after making noticeable strides over the offseason. When camp started, Sweat observed Dexter’s improvements, noting that the second-year pro took his conditioning test with the defensive ends instead of the tackles.
“He’s definitely transformed his body,” Sweat said. “I always expected big things from Gervon. He’s just about ready to break out.”
Sweat is enthusiastic about playing alongside Dexter more frequently this season and recognizes his potential.
“It’s very beneficial, especially with Gervon’s size and his impressive movement skills,” Sweat said. “It’s great to have him beside me.”
As Sweat continues to build rapport with his defensive line teammates, he is also eager to develop chemistry with the entire team. Like his fellow defenders, he is looking forward to the physicality of practice and the competitive environment that will prepare the Bears for the 2024 season.
“Iron sharpens iron,” Sweat said. “Ultimately, we’re all on the same team and need to come together for Week 1 against Tennessee. We’re all working to be at our best when the season starts.”
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