Introduction to the Bears’ Upcoming Season
Other than quarterback Caleb Williams, the Bears’ most important, pivotal piece for the upcoming season is defensive end Montez Sweat. He’s the most expensive player on the roster, accounting for nearly 9% of the salary cap at $25.1 million, and will make an enormous difference either way if the Bears finally fix their pass rush.
The Importance of Montez Sweat
They made a huge investment on the defensive line this offseason — $90.1 million on multi-year deals for Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett, plus a second-round pick on Shemar Turner — but they’ll still go as Sweat goes. If Sweat can’t get back on track with a double-digit sack season, no one else on the depth chart has proven they can do it. If he is resurgent and returns to being one of the NFL’s most fearsome pass rushers, it could make the Bears a top-10 defense.
Sweat’s Role and Expectations
“It’s a collective job as a group, but I mean, I guess if you say I’m the guy, yeah, I want to be the guy,” Sweat said after practice Saturday. He’s the guy whether anyone says it or not. The biggest personnel move Bears general manager Ryan Poles has made aside from drafting Williams was trading a second-round pick for Sweat in 2023 and immediately signing him to a four-year, $98 million contract extension. This has to work.
New Coaching and Potential Impact
It didn’t last season under former coach Matt Eberflus, but maybe new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen can make better use of Sweat’s ability. With little help last season and while playing through injuries to his shin and ankle, he had just 5 ½ sacks — sadly, the highest on the team. It was less than half of what he had the season before and the second-lowest total of his career. New coach Ben Johnson was very optimistic about Sweat’s upcoming season after meeting with him in the spring. “Everything that we sat down and we talked about is exactly what he’s been about,” Johnson said. “That speaks volumes for his character… He’s committed to getting better.”
Other Notable Players and Injuries
Rookie tight end Colston Loveland, the No. 10 overall pick, worked in team drills Saturday for the first time since coming back from offseason shoulder surgery and looked good. “Now that’s getting the good reps in, it’s been awesome to see,” wide receiver Rome Odunze said. “Great hands, very agile, can block. He’s got everything you desire in a tight end.” Loveland had 56 catches for 582 yards and five touchdowns last season at Michigan, capping a career that included a win in the 2023 national championship game over Washington and Odunze. “I can’t stand him,” Odunze joked. “He’s got the ring on me, he got his signing bonus ($16 million to Odunze’s $13.3 milion as a rookie last year) the other day — man, that guy’s got everything.”
Left Tackle Position
The Bears’ three-man battle for the starting left tackle job between Braxton Jones, Ozzy Trapilo and Kiran Amegadjie hit a snag late in practice when Amegadjie left with an apparent left leg injury. He and Jones had been sharing first-team reps. Amegadjie was the underdog from the beginning. The Bears drafted Trapilo in the second round at No. 56 overall this year, and Jones is a three-year starter.
Additional Notes
— The Bears rested starting right tackle Darnell Wright, and Johnson said it wasn’t injury-related. Theo Benedet, who was on the practice squad last season, got the opportunity in his place. — With free agent Nahshon Wright emerging and Terell Smith getting healthy, starting cornerback Tyrique Stevenson appears to have sturdy competition for his spot. — Rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III remained out with a hamstring injury, but Johnson said “hopefully soon” when asked when he’ll be on the field. — Backup offensive lineman Doug Kramer also exited late in practice after what looked like a left leg injury.
Conclusion
The Bears’ upcoming season is filled with anticipation, especially with the potential resurgence of Montez Sweat and the integration of new players like Colston Loveland. However, injuries and position battles, such as the one for left tackle, will play a significant role in determining the team’s success. The coaching staff’s ability to utilize the players’ skills effectively will also be crucial.
FAQs
Q: Who is the most important player for the Bears’ upcoming season besides the quarterback?
A: Defensive end Montez Sweat is considered the most important player due to his potential impact on the pass rush.
Q: What was the outcome of Montez Sweat’s last season?
A: Sweat had a disappointing season with just 5 ½ sacks, which was less than half of his previous season’s total.
Q: Who are the contenders for the starting left tackle position?
A: Braxton Jones, Ozzy Trapilo, and Kiran Amegadjie are competing for the starting left tackle job.
Q: What is the status of rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III?
A: Burden III is currently out with a hamstring injury but is expected to return to the field soon.
