The Chicago Bears are about to have Montez Sweat back, and head coach Ben Johnson believes the two-game suspension may have created a useful ripple effect for the defense.
Chicago went 2-0 without Sweat, but Johnson made it clear the veteran lineman still gave the Bears something steady while he was away. Even if the pass-rush production hasn’t matched expectations, Johnson pointed to Sweat’s value against the run and said the challenge now is getting him into more favorable pass-rush situations.
“He's been kind of a steady Eddie guy for us,” said Johnson on what Sweat has brought to the defensive line.
Johnson said Sweat has been the same reliable presence in the running game, even if the sack numbers haven’t followed. The Bears want more disruption when he’s rushing the passer, and Johnson put some of that responsibility on the staff to create better opportunities.
“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?”
That has been part of the issue. Johnson said Sweat has faced extra attention from offenses, the kind that comes with being viewed as the top pass-rush threat.
“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.”
Those other guys include Austin Booker, who Johnson said has started to find his stride, along with Daniel Hardy, who was asked to play more snaps during Sweat’s absence. Johnson specifically singled Hardy out as someone who has earned more chances.
“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, while Sweat has two sacks in his first five games. The Bears want considerably more from Sweat now that he is back, and Johnson’s message was simple: the suspension may have helped set the table for a bigger impact.
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