LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — On the morning of last Oct. 31, the Bears sat at 2-6 on the season and 5-20 overall in the two years led by general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus. The franchise was scuffling through an arduous rebuilding process and searching for signs of hope.
That afternoon marked the NFL trade deadline, one in which the Bears were expected to trade away assets with their long-term future in mind. But Poles and Eberflus had a different mindset, believing their team was headed in the right direction despite the ongoing struggles.
The Bears believed they could transform their defense and better position themselves for a collective breakthrough with a bold move that day. So Poles traded a second-round pick to the Commanders for dynamic defensive end Montez Sweat.
Days later, Sweat signed a four-year, $98.5-million contract extension that secured his place as a mainstay for the Bears. It was a bold investment by Poles, one that has paid great dividends.
Since that trade, the Bears are 9-6, and they currently sit at 4-2 this season as they visit the Commanders (5-2) on Sunday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 3:25 p.m. CT from Northwest Stadium.
The Bears defense found its form late last season and has proved itself as a top-five unit in the NFL this year. Chicago has allowed 21 points or fewer in 12 straight games and has established an identity that has led to collective success.
Sweat has been the catalyst to the turnaround while enjoying a personal breakthrough since landing in Chicago. He had a career-best 12.5 sacks in 2023, when he led both the Bears (6) and Commanders (6.5) in sacks for the season. He also earned Pro Bowl honors for the first time and is now considered one of the NFL’s premier defensive ends.
The Bears have reaped the rewards of the “Tez Factor,” as this team has affectionately termed it.
“He’s a person that’s big-play capable every time that he lines up,” Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington said. “He’s a person that you can win because of and not just with. We’re glad to have him on the team. I’m glad that he’s here, and I’m looking forward to what he’s going to do this week.”
Sweat was a first-round pick of Washington in 2019, and the team's vision was for him to be a mainstay in its plans. He had 44 sacks over 82 games for the franchise, but the Commanders' losing took its toll.
Washington never had a winning season over five years with Sweat on the roster. He was traded away as the Commanders' focus turned toward the future, but that didn’t make digesting the move any easier.
When Sweat reported to Halas Hall on Nov. 1, one day after the trade was struck, he wasn’t yet prepared to strike a long-term contract extension. There was clear hesitation in his voice about suddenly being thrust into the Bears’ uncertain future.
That all changed quickly as Sweat settled in with his Bears teammates and found his fit with the group. On the night after his second practice at Halas Hall, Sweat was invited over for dinner by teammate DeMarcus Walker. It became a tradition each Thursday night, with Sweat now serving as the host for his fellow defensive linemen.
Sweat soon saw the benefit of being with the Bears.
“I mean, I got my first Pro Bowl, I got paid,” Sweat said. “There were a couple things that fell into that. But I mean, I’m happy just being somewhere that I’m wanted, being in a place where they want me to be here and I got a spot.
“When you’re around guys that you want to play for, when you’re around coaches that you for, you go hard. I think that’s a big part of the game.”
Sweat’s impact extends beyond his own production, as it can also be measured by how those around him are performing. In 2023, then-rookie defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. posted 2.5 sacks after Sweat arrived. He was a beneficiary of Sweat drawing attention from opponents' protection schemes. In six games this season, Dexter leads the Bears with four sacks.
Linebackers T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds and Jack Sanborn have found openings at the second level as Sweat’s presence has shifted blocking schemes toward his side. Edwards logged 155 tackles, 2.5 sacks and three interceptions in 2023, with those picks all coming after Sweat’s arrival.
Sweat was joined at the Pro Bowl by cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who posted a career-best four interceptions and ranked as the No. 1 cornerback in the NFL in 2023, according to Pro Football Focus. Sweat's pressure up front helped open up opportunities for Johnson to make plays in coverage.
Sweat has 2.5 sacks in six games this season. He has been slowed in part by toe and ankle injuries. While he'd like to have bigger numbers, his production has been evident.
Bears defensive line coach Travis Smith praised how Sweat has been a difference-maker and helped uplift others. Thirteen different Bears have recorded at least a half-sack in 2024.
“(Sweat) has obviously made a big impact on the disposition, mentality and demeanor of how our guys play,” Smith said.
“Is it just him? No. But is he commanding slides? Is he commanding double teams? Is he opening up other one-on-ones for other guys? Yes, he is.
“It works together.”
When the Bears meet the Commanders on Sunday, Sweat's focus won't be on revenge or about proving a point. He's simply ready to lead the Bears’ defense in their next challenge – and be a uplifting presence for those around him.
“I want to do damage every week,” Sweat said. “Maybe, maybe this week a little bit more motivation. But it’s just another week.
“I feel like we’re definitely on track to having a great D.”
Emma's prediction (5-1): Bears 24, Commanders 21
If it’s indeed Marcus Mariota starting, don’t underestimate him. The Bears certainly won't come Sunday. Chicago's defense will win the day in a tightly contested game from the Beltway.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.