'Tez Effect' Felt by Full Bears Defense

Montez Sweat's pressure and ability to reach the passer made the entire Bears defense better in two games but now they're taking a major step up against Detroit.

Bears coach Matt Eberflus loves calling it the "Tez Effect."

Downplaying it from the very start, Montez Sweat is focused more on blending in—which actually is what the Tez Effect is all about.

"I just bring another guy ready to get after it," Sweat said. "I like the guys that I'm on defense with. They get after it just as much as me. I'm just adding on."

Actually he's not adding on but multiplying.

"We expect him to come here and help our entire team get better," was how GM Ryan Poles put it after making the trade. "We see him as a long, fast, explosive, relentless defensive end that can help us both in the run and in the pass game and really, I see him as a multiplier."

Pro Football Focus' pressure totals say the Bears were up the last two games, 17 in each game. They had a higher total only twice before, once in the win over Washington when the Commanders didn't have a clue how to stop anyone. The other game was Tampa Bay when they wasted their pressures by getting hands on Baker Mayfield repeatedly before he slipped away and ran or completed throws.

"A lot of guys really focus on sacks a lot, and it's a great tool to be judged by, but there's a lot of other ways to affect the game rather than just getting a sack, whether it’s a hit, a pressure or even being stout in the run game," Sweat said. "Any of those things can help you out a lot."

Bears linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi noticed how Sweat made it easier for not just other linemen in the rush but for his players and defensive backs in coverage.

"You could really see it in the Carolina game," Borgonzi said. "Here's the thing about stats is although he didn't have any sacks, he affected the quarterback, and that was a big deal for our defensive backs and our linebackers, the guys in coverage, because that helps them out a lot because the quarterbacks feel that. 

"So Tez has been a huge impact for us, but also just him as a person. He's just a positive guy. You see when the other guys got sacks, Tez was the most excited guy on the field. It's been pretty unique to see the player. We knew the player was good but just the person, too."

The pressure might be better but Sweat points out he just is beginning to understand his role in the scheme. So it can get even better.

"I'm not satisfied," he said. "I'm still getting to know everybody on the team. 

"I'm still getting to know the defense but it's a testament to my hard work and how much I care about this."

It's sure to test the defensive front this week going against the Lions offensive line. Detroit is fourth in rushing but has allowed the sixth fewest sacks. In Sweat's case, it's matching up against tackle Penei Sewell.

"They've got a great run game," Sweat said. "They've got nice tackles and a good O-line. They say it's one of the best O-lines in the league. They're good in all phases, from the pass game to the run game to play-action. That keeps you on your toes as a defense, and (we) face a challenge.”

It's no cause for alarm, though. The Bears defensive end sees it more as a chance to find out where the defense really stands.

"It definitely makes it just a little bit more fun," Sweat said. "You get a chance to go out there and go against the best of the best. 

"We’re in the NFL. We go against the best every Sunday. But that, along with the Eagles, I feel like, is one of the best O-lines in the league."

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