The Chicago Bears are expected to get Montez Sweat back on the field after he served a two-game suspension. While the team went 2-0 without Sweat and Sweat has not produced the numbers many expect from him, head coach Ben Johnson noted that he has been a consistent force for the Bears on the field.
Chicago Bears Get Montez Sweat Back
Beyond that, his two-game suspension could end up making life easier for him when he returns.
“He's been kind of a steady Eddie guy for us,” said Johnson on what Sweat has brought to the defensive line.
Johnson noted that he has been the same old Sweat in the run game. While the team plans to challenge him as a pass rusher, they also feel it will be on the coaches to get him in more situations where he has to win.
“He's been able to hold down the fort in terms of the running game, and the pass numbers probably aren't quite as high,” admitted Johnson. “I think we're going to continue to challenge him. How much more can we affect the passer when he does get one-on-one situations?”
Johnson acknowledged that the number of one-on-one chances has been lower for Sweat recently.
“I know there's a number of times when you're perceived as the premier pass rusher on your team that either they're sliding the protection your way or you're getting all the chips and the nudges,” said Johnson on Sweat’s lack of production. “So that does take a toll. But I think with him being out a couple of games, a couple other guys have stepped up to the forefront.”
Johnson added that Austin Booker has started to find his stride, and the team had to ask Daniel Hardy to play more snaps. These two stepping up when Sweat was gone will make Sweat more impactful now that he is back.
“I like to highlight Daniel Hardy,” said Johnson when discussing the potential return of Sweat. “I think he's done as good a job as anybody affecting the passer these last two weeks and a guy that certainly warrants a little bit more playing time on defense as well. So, when you combine Booker's impact on getting into the quarterback with Hardy and then the pressure package that (Dennis Allen) likes to put in there, hopefully we can get Tez singled up a little bit more for one-on-one to where his pass rush ability can come to the forefront.”
Hardy already has 1.5 sacks this season. Sweat has two sacks in his first five games. The team is looking for a lot more than that.
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