Tag: Montez Sweat

Former Commanders DE Montez Sweat named to the 2024 Pro Bowl

Chase Young was named as a Pro Bowl alternate.

Defensive end Montez Sweat led the Washington Commanders with 6.5 sacks through eight games when he was traded at the 2023 NFL trade deadline. Washington received a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft for Sweat, a value it felt was too good to pass up for the pending free agent.

Since being traded to Chicago, Sweat has played in eight games for the Bears and has six sacks, giving him 12.5 on the season — a new career-high for the 2019 first-round pick.

As the Commanders enter the regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Sweat’s 6.5 sacks still lead the team. Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen’s 5.5 sacks is second on the team.

On Wednesday, Sweat was named to the 2024 Pro Bowl. No Commanders made the Pro Bowl.

Sweat has always been a terrific player, but his previous career-high in sacks was nine back in 2020. Sacks are often what gets defensive ends/edge rushers noticed around the NFL. Former Washington defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio said back in training camp that he felt Sweat’s “numbers were going to explode.”

He was right. Unfortunately for Del Rio, it wasn’t enough to save his job.

In other news about former Washington defensive ends traded this season, former No. 2 overall pick Chase Young was named as a Pro Bowl alternate. Young had five sacks in Washington before his Oct. 31 trade to the 49ers and has 2.5 for San Francisco, giving him 7.5 for the season.

Young finished second among defensive ends in fan voting behind his teammate Nick Bosa. Sweat was fourth among defensive ends in fan voting. Young returned to Washington last week and recorded one tackle.

WATCH: Bears HC Matt Eberflus tells Montez Sweat, Jaylon Johnson they’ve made the Pro Bowl

Watch Bears head coach Matt Eberflus deliver the news to Montez Sweat and Jaylon Johnson that they’ve made the Pro Bowl.

Defensive end Montez Sweat and cornerback Jaylon Johnson will represent the Chicago Bears in the 2024 Pro Bowl. It’s the first Pro Bowl for both Sweat and Johnson, who have been integral pieces of this dominant Bears defense.

Sweat, acquired in a trade with the Washington Commanders, has a career-high 12.5 sacks in 17 games, which ranks third in the NFC. He leads both the Bears (6.0) and Commanders (6.5) in sacks this season. No player has ever accomplished the feat in NFL history, and he’s just one game away.

Johnson, in the final year of his rookie deal, has had a career year with the Bears. He’s established himself as one of the NFL’s best cover corners, and he also has a career-high four interceptions, tied for the team best. He also has recorded 36 tackles and 10 pass breakups.

The Bears Twitter account released a video of head coach Matt Eberflus delivering the good news to Sweat and Johnson.

Sweat signed a massive four-year contract extension worth $98 million shortly after he was traded to Chicago. Now, Sweat is locked down through 2027.

Meanwhile, Johnson remains unsigned in the final year of his rookie deal. But watching how general manager Ryan Poles was hugging Johnson when the news was delivered, you can’t help but wonder if signing Johnson is a top priority this offseason.

Bears DE Montez Sweat, CB Jaylon Johnson named to 2024 Pro Bowl

Montez Sweat and Jaylon Johnson have been integral parts of the Bears’ dominant defense. Now, they’re Pro Bowl bound.

Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat and cornerback Jaylon Johnson have been named to the 2024 Pro Bowl.

Sweat, acquired in a trade with the Washington Commanders, has helped transform this Bears defense from one of the worst to one of the best in the NFL.

Sweat’s career-high 12.5 sacks (through Week 17) ranks third in the NFC. He leads both the Bears (6.0) and Commanders (6.5) in sacks this season, and if things end that way, he would be the first player to accomplish that in NFL history.

“I am honored to be selected to my first Pro Bowl and to represent the great city of Chicago,” Sweat said, via ChicagoBears.com. “What makes this honor special is that the fans played a role in me being selected. I am truly grateful for my teammates, coaches, support staff and my family for all the support this season. I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Johnson, a former second-round pick, has had a career year with the Bears this season. He’s established himself as one of the NFL’s best cover corners, and he also has a career-high four interceptions, which is tied for the team best. He also has recorded 36 tackles and 10 pass breakups.

“It is special that God has blessed me with the opportunity and favor to be selected to my first Pro Bowl,” Johnson said. “I’m thankful for all of those who have played a role in my success because when I win, we all win.”

Sweat and Johnson have been integral parts of Chicago’s dominant defense. Now, they’re Pro Bowl bound.

The Commanders have allowed the most points in franchise history in 2023

The Commanders are closing on allowing 500 points for the season.

How bad are the Washington Commanders on defense in 2023?

Washington ranks No. 32 in scoring defense, allowing 30 points per game. The Commanders also rank No. 32 in total defense, allowing almost 386 yards per game. Finally, Washington is ranked 31st, allowing opponents to average 5.9 yards per play.

That defensive ineptitude left head coach Ron Rivera no choice but to fire defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio after losing 45-10 to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. It was quite the fall from grace for a defense that was a top-10 unit in every metric only one year ago. The Commanders were ranked even higher in some metrics.

In the offseason, Washington lost only injured linebacker Cole Holcomb and replaced him with Cody Barton. Additionally, the Commanders used first- and second-round picks on defensive backs.

Yet, somehow, the team is worse — historically worse. On a defense that featured six former first-round picks, the Commanders have the NFL’s worst defense. Washington’s defense was so bad that the team shipped out defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young at the NFL trade deadline on Oct. 31.

Washington has allowed opponents to score 30 or more points in nine of its 16 games this season.

After the Commanders allowed 27 points in Sunday’s loss to the 49ers, they broke the franchise record for most points allowed in a season with 480. The previous record was established in 2013 when Washington allowed 478 points. That 2013 season was Mike Shanahan’s final season and another rock-bottom moment — there have been several — for the organization.

Amazingly, the five worst defensive seasons in Washington’s franchise history have all occurred in the last 10 years. The NFL expanded to 17 games in 2021, meaning the Commanders have one more game to become only the sixth team in NFL history to allow 500 or more points. Of the five teams that have allowed 500 points or more, only one (2021 Jets) has come since the NFL expanded to 17 games.

The 1981 Baltimore Colts allowed 533 points. The Commanders would need to give up 54 points to the Cowboys this weekend to break that record. Difficult, but not impossible. After all, Dallas is playing to win the NFC East.

ESPN insider predicts Commanders will trade DT Jonathan Allen

Allen has grown increasingly frustrated this season.

Every week of the NFL season, ESPN insiders Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler publish a joint column checking in around the NFL. The duo previews the week ahead, fantasy football, the coaching carousel and have begun looking ahead to the offseason.

In their latest column, Fowler and Graziano preview the upcoming free-agent class of quarterbacks and also predict this year’s Jalen Ramsey. Ramsey, the star cornerback, was traded last offseason from the Los Angeles Rams to the Miami Dolphins at the start of free agency.

Graziano’s prediction was Raiders star wide receiver Davante Adams.

Fowler’s pick? Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.

I’ll go Jonathan Allen. Washington’s Pro Bowl defensive tackle is not overly eager to withstand another rebuild, and I’ve heard that has been the case for a while now. Teams called on Allen’s availability at the trade deadline, but Washington wasn’t interested. It’s probably worth the Commanders — who could strip things down to the studs with a new coach and general manager pairing — looking into his value. His salary of $14 million (cap hit of $21.5 million) is reasonable for a player of his caliber.

When the Commanders traded defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young at the NFL trade deadline, there was also interest in Allen. However, the Commanders weren’t interested in moving him. As the losses continue to mount, Allen has grown increasingly frustrated.

After a Week 7 loss to the Giants, the usually mild-mannered and respectful Allen unleashed an expletive-laced tirade.

The day after, Allen was asked if he wanted to be traded, and he said no. Allen said he grew up in the Northern Virginia area as a fan of the franchise, and if he wanted to be moved, he would’ve asked.

However, after a blowout loss to Miami in Week 13, Allen showed frustration again. In an interview on the “Sports Junkies,” Allen acknowledged at times he’s thought about what it would be like playing elsewhere and that he wants to win. While he’d prefer to win in Washington, he doesn’t want to be a part of another rebuild.

Allen’s contract is moveable. And there will be a new regime. Whether Allen wants to be moved or not, he could be a prime trade candidate this offseason.

 

Montez Sweat says Bears defense is driven to be great

The Bears have transformed into a top-five unit they show no signs of slowing down heading into this final three-game stretch.

The Chicago Bears defense has experienced a resurgence this season, where they went from one of the worst defenses in the league to a top-five unit.

Defensive end Montez Sweat, who Chicago acquired in Week 9, has been a huge part of that dominance. His presence has completely transformed the Bears defense, which finally has a formidable pass rush and defenders are capitalizing on the takeaway opportunities as a result.

In the past five games, Chicago has totaled a league-high 14 takeaways and 15 sacks. And they show no signs of slowing down heading into this final three-game stretch.

“I see a hungry group of guys that want to live up to the challenge every week and they want to be great,” said Sweat, via ChicagoBears.com. “We play for the man beside each other and I feel that really shows on the field.”

While Sweat has been instrumental in the defense’s turnaround, he’s also helped elevate the play of others around him. Linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson and safeties Jaquan Brisker and Eddie Jackson, among others, have also been key contributors.

“We hold each other to a high standard,” Sweat said. “If I make a play, I’m going to look somebody else in the eyes and see if he’s ready to match my energy, and other guys would do the same. I think that goes across the board. It’s just being held to a high standard, not just [by] the coaches, but your peers.”

The Bears are looking to continue their defensive dominance when they welcome the Arizona Cardinals to Soldier Field on Christmas Eve.

Montez Sweat is leading Commanders and Bears in sacks

Montez Sweat currently leads two teams in sacks.

Don’t know if you have noticed, but former Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat is leading both the Commanders and the Bears.

Sweat drafted out of Mississippi State in the 2019 draft by Washington, started and played in the first eight games of this his fifth Commanders season.

In those eight games, Sweat recorded 11 quarterback hits, 10 tackles for a loss and 6.5 quarterback sacks for the Commanders. Washington has now played six more games (14 total), and would you believe Sweat still leads the team in quarterback sacks?

Daron Payne has tied Sweat with 11 quarterback hits, and Jonathan Allen leads the team with 16.

In his six games as a Bear, Sweat has started all six games and is already leading the Bears in sacks with six. He has also contributed 13 quarterback hits for the Bears, which trails only Justin Jones, who has 15, though it has taken Jones all 14 games to accumulate his total.

Also of note, Commanders defensive end Chase Young, the second overall selection of the 2020 draft, in his seven games for Washington this season, five quarterback sacks, 6 tackles for a loss and 9 quarterback hits.

Payne leads the Commanders with 12 tackles for a loss and has also contributed 4.0 quarterback sacks. Meanwhile, Allen leads current Commanders in quarterback hits (16) and 5.5 quarterback sacks.

Washington traded Sweat to the Bears at the October NFL trade deadline. In return, the Commanders received the Bears second-round draft selection in next April’s draft, which is currently 41st overall.

The Xs and Os with Greg Cosell: Previewing Week 15’s biggest NFL matchups

In this week’s “Xs and Os with Greg Cosell and Doug Farrar,” the guys get into Week 15’s most important NFL matchups.

It’s time for Week 15 of the 2023 NFL season, and Greg Cosell of NFL Films and ESPN’s NFL Matchup, and Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire and the USA Today Sports Media Group, are here to get you ready for the most important games and interesting matchups:

Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals — How Zac Taylor and his staff have made things easier for Jake Browning, and how Brian Flores’ defense can make life much more difficult.

Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns — The trade acquisition and under-the-radar consultant who could be the keys to the Bears’ defensive improvement.

Dallas Cowboys at Buffalo Bills — Buffalo offensive coordinator Joe Brady has a great new wrinkle, but can the Bills’ defense hang with Dak Prescott and all his targets?

Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars — The Jags have been underperforming on offense and defense of late, which makes it a bad time to have to deal with the Ravens.

Philadelphia Eagles at Seattle Seahawks — The keys to Pete Carroll’s unhappiness with his defense, and why the Eagles had better get things together before they travel to the Emerald City.

You can watch this week’s “Xs and Os” right here:

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You can listen and subscribe to the “Xs and Os” podcast on Spotify…

…and on Apple Podcasts.

Montez Sweat has made the Bears a top-5 defense in the NFL

The Bears are starting to turn a corner this season, and the addition of stud DE Montez Sweat has been a big reason why.

The Chicago Bears are starting to turn a corner this season, and the addition of stud defensive end Montez Sweat has been a big reason why.

Chicago acquired Sweat in a trade with the Washington Commanders, and he was signed to a massive four-year contract extension shortly after. Already, Sweat is proving to be worth every penny (and the second-round draft pick sent to Washington).

The Bears’ defensive turnaround under Matt Eberflus has been sparked by Sweat’s presence, which has turned Chicago into a top-five NFL defense in the past five weeks.

Since Sweat joined the Bears in Week 9, the defense ranks fifth in total defense (272.2 ypg), fifth in pass defense (180.6 ypg), ninth in scoring defense (18.2 ppg) and is tied for second in total takeaways (11), per NFL Research.

They’ve also made substantial gains in sacks, where they have 10 in the past four games (compared to 11 in the first nine games).

Coming off a statement win over the Detroit Lions, where Sweat accounted for one of four sacks on quarterback Jared Goff, the fifth-year defensive end reached double-digit sacks for the first time in his career (10.0) — and there are still four games remaining. Sweat has a team-high 3.5 sacks since joining the Bears in Week 9.

Safe to say, the Bears are winning the Montez Sweat trade.

Montez Sweat takes shot at Commanders after Bears’ win over Lions

“Where I come from, it was kind of like just waiting on the season to end,” Sweat said.

Montez Sweat appears happy in his new home. The Washington Commanders traded the fifth-year defensive end to the Chicago Bears ahead of the NFL trade on Oct. 31, and Sweat has now played in five games for his new team.

The Commanders received a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft in exchange for Sweat. The Bears agreed to a four-year, $98 million extension with Sweat four days after the trade.

At the time of the trade, the Bears were 2-6 and headed for another top-five pick. Since Sweat’s arrival, however, the Bears are 3-2 (5-8 on the season), and the defense looks much different.

Sweat’s play has been a major catalyst for the turnaround. In those five games, Sweat has 12 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 10 QB hits. In Sunday’s win over the Detroit Lions, Sweat had one sack and a career-high 4 QB hits. He now has 10 sacks on the season, a career-high.

After the game, Sweat had some high praise for Chicago coach Matt Eberflus while also taking a dig at his former team.

“Where I come from, it was kind of like just waiting on the season to end,” Sweat said. “But here it’s like, every week is a new challenge, and people want to play for the man beside him……..Coach ‘Flus is a great coach. He keeps us motivated. I’ve never seen a head coach run the team and call defensive plays, so that’s new for me. A lot of respect for him as a coach.”

Sweat said nothing wrong. It wasn’t an egregious shot. It was honest. And it’s another indictment on current Washington head coach Ron Rivera. Sweat was respected by his teammates and coaches with the Commanders. Rivera and the coaching staff didn’t want to deal him, but the value proved too good to pass up.

The bigger question here is, was Sweat talking about this season — or every season? If you look at how Washington has finished in recent seasons, you could make the case that Sweat was referring to multiple seasons. In watching the Commanders play this season, it’s clear they’re counting the days until the end of the current season.