Could the Chicago Bears finally break their 30-year drought of having two players with double-digit sacks in the same season? It's a question that has Bears fans both excited and curious, especially after the impressive performances of defensive end Montez Sweat and rookie Austin Booker last year.
Sweat, who had 10 sacks, became the first Bears player to reach double digits since Robert Quinn's record-breaking 18.5 sacks in 2021. Meanwhile, Booker, a fifth-round pick, showed steady improvement with 4.5 sacks in the regular season and one more in the postseason. His teammate, Sweat, believes Booker is just scratching the surface of his potential.
"He’s just scratching the surface," Sweat said. "I think he’s shown a lot of flashes of the type of player that he could be. He’s still young and still just learning the ins and outs of being a pro, but the sky’s the limit."
The coaches have played a crucial role in Booker's development, adjusting his stance to improve his quickness off the ball and adding strength to his frame. This offseason, the Bears didn't sign any new pass rushers, making it essential for both Sweat and Booker to maintain their high performance.
Head coach Ben Johnson praised Sweat's performance, calling it the best year of his career. Johnson's appreciation for Sweat grew after reviewing the team's self-scout, highlighting his ability to play both run and pass effectively. The coach hopes to build on this momentum and improve the team's pass rush.
If Sweat and Booker can each get 10 or more sacks, it would significantly boost the Bears' chances of repeating as NFC North champions. Despite their strong odds (+330) to win the division, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Bears' lack of offseason movement at defensive end could be a critical factor in their success.
The article concludes by raising the question: Can the Bears finally achieve what they haven't done since 1993? It's a challenge that could be met by the team's player development and the continued growth of Sweat and Booker, who are proving to be key contributors to the team's success.
