The 2024 Chicago Bears defense never reached the same heights as the 2023 version. A big reason for that was their pass rush. After looking strong two years ago, it lost steam last season. This was hard to understand. Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter took a big step forward. One would think their overall productivity would've skyrocketed because of that. The uncomfortable truth was easy to see, though—most of the concerns centered around defensive end Montez Sweat. After a terrific Pro Bowl season when he arrived in 2023, his effectiveness had taken a dip.
People couldn't understand why. He wasn't disgruntled, having already been paid a healthy new contract. The personnel around him were the same. Matt Eberflus still called the defense. The situation that made him so effective remained untouched. Yet the man wasn't getting the same number of sacks or pressures. That led to only one plausible conclusion: he must be hurt. The problem is that Sweat only missed one game and appeared on the injury report three times all season. It couldn't have been that bad. According to Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog, it actually was.
Sweat was never really healthy.
The Bears had more sacks than the Chiefs, Lions, and Bills LAST year, and they have significantly upgraded their defensive coaching staff and DL talent. The most important things to track at camp (to the degree we’ll be shown anything of value) is how Dennis Allen is utilizing his DL personnel. The second most important thing to track will be the health of Montez Sweat. Sweat dealt with a myriad of injuries in 2024 and has had health concerns since entering the league. The 2025 Bears need him at full strength.
Montez Sweat will determine how this season goes.
People still have lingering concerns about the Bears' pass rush. Dayo Odeyingbo was a solid addition in free agency, but he's never had more than eight sacks in a season. Grady Jarrett is a big name at defensive tackle, but he's in his 30s and past his prime. Dexter may take another step, but counting on such things is unreliable. The Bears need Montez Sweat to regain his form from two years ago. He is the straw that stirs the drink. They're paying him to be their primary sack guy. He has the talent. If he can't deliver, the entire defense loses steam as a result. What makes it so frustrating is that there is no predicting health. It either cooperates or it doesn't.
One thing is certain. If Sweat falters again this season, the Bears will go into 2026 entirely focused on finding a true difference-making pass rusher.
