Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Bears' Best: Montez Sweat's Most Impactful Play from the 2023 Season

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Pat Boadway | Last updated 1/22/24

It's hard to pick out one singular play from a given season to crown as the best for an individual but with Montez Sweat in 2023, it might be easier than you think. The Chicago Bears saw a real shift in their defense after acquiring Sweat before the trade deadline. The obvious change will carry over to next season and we got a glimpse of what's to come this year.

In retrospect, it's fun watching highlights of a truly skilled defensive player. The ability to wreck an offensive line by yourself is special and not everyone who comes through the NFL can do it. But after only half a season with the Bears, I believe Sweat can be that guy.

Montez Sweat's Best of 2023

The Bears posted the 'Best Plays of Montez Sweat's 2023 Season' on their YouTube channel and it's an insanely fun watch. One particular game, two plays specifically, stood out to me and it's a sneak peek at what Montez Sweat can do for the remainder of his contract with Chicago.

The greatest trade at the trade deadline this season, Montez Sweat. pic.twitter.com/6nRHgHjHQC
— Bears On Tap (@BearsOnTap) December 17, 2023

What's so special about this play? It looks like an ordinary sack, but it's the effort by Montez Sweat that makes it worthwhile. Sweat not only pushes through the 6-foot-5, 313-pound offensive lineman, James Hudson, but also running back, Jerome Ford.

Sweat's angle and explosiveness threw Hudson off balance which caused a domino effect on Ford. He had no chance to assist on the block and this was already Sweat's third sack of the day on Joe Flacco.

The effort Sweat displayed on this play was superb and it came at a crucial time as well. The Browns were deep in their own territory while leading by a touchdown and the play forced a third-and-long.

Overall, many plays from the 2023 season can be picked apart and crowned the best. But the best part of this is what's to come next. Montez Sweat is only getting started with the Chicago Bears and next season, when he has a full training camp and 17-game slate, the stats could be through the roof.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: