(670 The Score) In completing a bold trade to acquire star pass rusher Montez Sweat on Oct. 31 and then signing him to a four-year contract extension, the Bears believed they were bolstering their defense with a "multiplier." During the Bears' 16-13 win over the Panthers on Thursday night, his impact was clear.
Sweat registered eight pressures on Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, including three quarterback hits. Though he didn’t have a sack, Sweat was a notable presence for the Bears’ dominant defense in their victory.
“The Tez factor is a pretty cool thing to see,” head coach Matt Eberflus told reporters Friday at Halas Hall.
“You could feel him forcing those incomplete passes, the hits on the quarterback. That certainly has an effect on their passing game.”
The Bears traded a second-round pick to the Commanders in exchange for the 27-year-old Sweat, who was playing out the final year of his rookie contract before signing a four-year extension with the Bears last Saturday. The deal is worth up to $98 million.
Sweat spent five seasons in Washington, recording 35.5 sacks over 67 games – including 6.5 sacks in eight games this season before being dealt to Chicago.
On Thursday, Sweat and the Bears held the Panthers to just 213 total yards of offense.
"It was fun,” Sweat said. “A defensive game, I wouldn't want it any other way."