The Chicago Bears defense got a huge boost with the addition of defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. But perhaps no one benefited more in Monday night's 34-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks than defensive end Montez Sweat.
In the first five games of the season, Sweat only had two sacks, seven total tackles, two tackles for loss and four quarterback hits. Then he was suspended for two games after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs.
Before his return against the Seahawks, the Bears traded for Simmons, who was Sweat's teammate back in college at Mississippi State, and they were a dynamic duo for the Bulldogs. That chemistry was clear in their first NFL game together against Seattle. In just one game, Sweat was able to put up a sack, three
quarterback hits and a tackle for loss. Especially after how his season started, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was pleased with his performance.
“I think, obviously, he was motivated to get back out there and play. So, that was good to see,” Allen said. “And quite frankly, that’s the version that we expect to see every single week.”
Chicago’s next game will be on Sunday Night Football against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It will be the first time in Sweat’s eight-year career he will face the Buccaneers. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has dealt with some pressure in the backfield this season, most notably against the Minnesota Vikings when he was sacked six times. Therefore, this is another game where the Bears’ defensive line could change the game.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Dennis Allen sounds off on Bears DE Montez Sweat's return to action
