Montez Sweat has played in the NFL for a long time. During his career, he has worked under some prominent defensive coaches. It started with Greg Manusky in Washington, then shifted to Jack Del Rio. That doesn’t even include Ron Rivera, who was also a highly respected defensive specialist. At that time, Sweat felt he’d gotten a firm grasp of what NFL defenses are supposed to look like. The same was true after playing under Matt Eberflus the past two seasons. However, the Pro Bowl defensive end has been quickly disillusioned.
It hasn’t taken long for him to realize that Dennis Allen is a completely different animal. Previous coaches ran systems built around simplicity. Know your job and execute it. Allen doesn’t operate that way. His goal from the outset is to do everything in his power to confuse and disorient the quarterback. Sweat admitted during his recent press conference that he’s never seen anything like it. The fronts, coverages, and blitzes the Bears coordinator uses dwarf anything seen in his career.
Montez Sweat is about to see his life get much easier.
Allen constantly searches for ways to attack opponents’ weaknesses. That means finding advantageous matchups, both upfront and in coverage. Montez Sweat won’t strictly be lined up on one side of the line anymore. Allen will move him around, both inside and outside. Sweat has the strength and quickness to be a force no matter where he’s lined up. He is in store for a big year if the defensive end stays healthy. Cameron Jordan had his two best seasons under Allen in New Orleans. Sweat has a similar skill set. If he does what the defensive coordinator asks of him, the sacks will pile up quickly. The question will be whether he can stay healthy all year.
