The Chicago Bears defense was dealt a blow when their top edge rusher, Montez Sweat, tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug and was suspended for two games. It was the first time in his NFL career he was suspended.
In Sweat's absence, numerous players on Chicago’s defensive line had to step up during their games against the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots. One of those players was Daniel Hardy. Prior to Sweat’s suspension, he had only played 10 defensive snaps. But in the two games without Sweat, he played 56 snaps. In those two games, Hardy had 1.5 sacks and four quarterback hits.
With Sweat coming back from his suspension, he was impressed with how Chicago’s defenders stepped up in his absence. He also said it represented
the Bears’ next-man-up mentality.
“Amazing,” Sweat said. “It’s always in the NFL a next-man-up mentality. They didn’t miss a beat.”
Chicago won both games without Sweat in the lineup, although their pass defense struggled against Drake Maye and the Patriots. The Bears will have a decision to make ahead of their Week 9 game against the Seattle Seahawks since Sweat struggled in his first five games of the year despite his PED suspension. He only has two sacks, four quarterback hits and seven tackles so far this season. Chicago may be better off limiting Sweat’s reps and giving players like Hardy more action.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Montez Sweat on Bears' next-man-up mentality during his suspension
