Bears‘ Pass Rush Revitalized as Sweat, Booker Show Promise
LAKE FOREST, IL – The Chicago Bears are optimistic their pass rush is turning a corner, fueled by the recent performance of defensive end Montez Sweat and the anticipated increased role of fellow edge rusher Khalil Booker. After a slow start, Sweat has recorded four sacks in the last three games, adding seven quarterback hits, four passes defensed, and two forced fumbles.
The Bears acquired Sweat via trade from Washington at the 2023 deadline,where he went on to record 12.5 sacks and earn a Pro Bowl selection. General Manager Ryan Poles noted sweats current surge is reminiscent of his initial impact upon arrival in Chicago, attributing it to improved stamina and “ability to play faster, harder, longer.” Sweat’s snap counts have steadily increased, reaching a season-high 80.6% against Baltimore in Week 8 and 76.5% last week – a notable jump from 66.1% against Detroit and 58.1% against Dallas earlier in the season. Through eight games, sweat is playing a career-high 71.7% of defensive snaps.
Booker, who signed a three-year, $48 million contract with Chicago, is poised to see an expanded workload after returning from injured reserve. He logged a sack in his 2025 debut against the Bengals, playing 37 snaps. While initially signed as an edge rusher, the Bears believe Booker’s strengths lie rushing from the interior defensive line.
“I definitely could get a bigger role, and I’m hoping that’s what that is and hoping to start this coming weekend,” Booker said. “Just to prove to the NFL that I’m an all-down defensive end, not just a pass rusher.I think that’s a great prospect.”
Defensive Coordinator Alan Williams believes Sweat’s success is driving his performance. “I think when you start to feel that success and you feel some of those results, there’s a hunger to get back out there and produce again,” Williams said. “I think it’s a combination of just him coming out here and working every single day. He’s gotten a lot better. I think he’s starting to see the results of that. I think he’s feeding off that a little bit.”
