The Chicago Bears have struggled against the Green Bay Packers in recent years, but cornerstone defensive end Montez Sweat spoke up on the team’s future against the Packers in 2024.
Montez Sweat went on Chris Long’s Green Light show to reflect on last season and what the Bears’ future will look like in 2024.
Sweat underwent numerous changes this season, including being traded from the Washington Commanders to the Chicago Bears midway through the season.
Chicago Bears’ Cornerstone Defender
General manager Ryan Poles acquired Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders in a trade.
Prior to the transaction, the Bears defense had 10 sacks in eight games.
Since Sweat’s arrival, the Bears have moved from 28th to 20th in points allowed, 23rd to 12th in yards allowed, and 22nd to third in takeaways for the balance of the season. The Bears also recorded 11 sacks in the final five games.
The Bears finished the season 5–3.
Statement on Green Bay Packers
Long went on to discuss Jordan Love and the landscape of the NFC North. Long praised Love and challenged Sweat to make a bold claim about the Bears/Packers rivalry in 2024.
“I’m telling you right now, man, I’m not losing to Green Bay this year. I can’t do it. I can’t do it, guy. I’m not going to lose Green Bay. We started a great competition over there.”
Bold statements from a courageous individual. Sweat will be a key component of a top NFL defense.
Overall, the two historic teams have about equal records. Since their debut game in 1921, the Packers have 107 wins against the Bears’ 95.
However, the Bears have had a disastrous recent record. Chicago is 2-18 against the Packers over the last ten years.
Sweat’s statement to Long has captured the attention of every Bears fan. Hope is in the air.
Outlook for Chicago Bears in 2024
The belief is that Chicago will start the NFL Draft by selecting USC quarterback Caleb Williams to lead the offense under head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
The Bears have more than one first-round pick. They also have the ninth selection. The majority of Chicago media is focused on the ninth pick, as the first appears to have already been determined.
Early in the video, Long asks Sweat whether he prefers to play with a top interior defensive lineman or an excellent edge. Sweat meanders through his response, eventually stating that he has an outstanding edge with whom he can join up to attack an opposing quarterback.
This could be a clue of where the Bears will go with the ninth pick, a partner in crime to help Sweat and the defense improve under the defensive-minded head coach.
Optimism is high in Chicago, and the pieces are beginning to fall into place for the Bears. This could be the year the Bears vanquish their opponent in the North. Chicago fans are hoping that the Sweat statement comes true this season.
