Think about the current Chicago Bears and ask this question. Who are the biggest trash talkers? Thoughts probably go to Jaquan Brisker, Jaylon Johnson, and Cole Kmet. There may be others who don’t mind yapping at opponents every week. One name that probably isn’t the first that comes to mind is Montez Sweat. The Pro Bowl defensive end comes across as even-keel in interviews. He’s never had a big reputation for talking trash, even during his career in Washington. However, it appears he’ll respond when provoked.
One player who loves the art of verbal jabbing is longtime Green Bay Packers pass rusher Preston Smith. Chicago is easily one of his favorite targets, pointing out how the Bears have never beaten him at every opportunity. It seems he works out with Sweat in the off-season and decided to take his opportunity when the latter missed a session.
Sweat wasn’t about to take that lying down. He cleared up the confusion by stating he’d done an earlier workout before warning Smith to enjoy his streak while he can.
Washington and Dallas have a stories history that goes back decades. When he arrived in 2019, the then-Redskins were 1-5 against the Cowboys since 2016. Washington lost both games in Sweat’s rookie year. The next season, they swept Dallas behind two outstanding efforts, allowing only 19 points across both matchups. This situation Sweat walks into between Chicago and Green Bay is similar. The Bears haven’t beaten the Packers since 2018. Most of the games haven’t even been that close, largely because one is rebuilding while the other has maintained consistent status as a playoff contender.
The winds might finally be shifting. Chicago has easily their most talented roster in five years. Montez Sweat headlines a talented defense with Pro Bowlers at every level. More importantly, the offense is rising to a similar level. Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze joined the receiving corps. Caleb Williams, the #1 overall pick, is the new quarterback. Shane Waldron takes over as offensive coordinator, bringing a proven track record with him. There is a lot of proving still to do, but Sweat is right. This team is capable of challenging Green Bay on equal ground.
