(670 The Score) Bears head coach Matt Eberflus often refers to Pro Bowl pass rusher Montez Sweat's impact as the “Tez effect,” referencing his ability to change a game.
In a 24-17 win against the Titans on Sunday, the Bears also showed they're learning how to better play off Sweat and use his presence to exploit advantages elsewhere. Chicago’s defense generated consistent pressure while Sweat taken away by Tennessee’s blocking scheme.
Titans quarterback Will Levis was 5-of-13 for 61 yards and two interceptions when facing pressure, and the Bears pressured him on 47.4% of his dropbacks. Nose tackle Andrew Billings, defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker and pass rusher Darrell Taylor each registered five pressures.
Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards knows that Sweat’s performance goes well beyond the box score.
"He's an absolute force,” Edwards told the Bernstein & Holmes Show on Tuesday. “He's someone who needs to be accounted for on every play because he can wreck the game, for sure. I think whether he’s in the slide or he’s getting two, three guys at some point just kind of chipping him as he gets to his rushes, it’s definitely something we know that they have attention on.
“Having Tez for a full offseason now, having that chemistry build and seeing what he sees, honestly as a whole defensive line unit, it only helps us now.”
The Bears’ defense pitched a second-half shutout Sunday, which allowed Chicago to overcome a 17-0 deficit and earn its first victory of the season.
The Bears (1-0) visit the Houston Texans (1-0) on Sunday night.