Montez Sweat Discusses Caleb Williams, Being A Mentor & More

Chicago Bears EDGE Montez Sweat is their best and most productive player on defense. A legitimate sack artist and weekly difference maker, Sweat recorded his second quarterback takedown of the campaign, a strip sack, in Sunday's 24-18 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. The $98 million pass rusher has now accumulated 7.5 sacks in 13 appearances with the Bears.

Sweat recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network while discussing his partnership with Campbell's Chunky and their Chunky Sacks Hunger relief program. Sweat discussed Sunday's win, his evolving pass-rush arsenal, growth from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, and more.

JM: You're here today fighting food inequality on behalf of Campbell's Chunky and the Chunky Sacks Hunger relief program. Why is this cause so important to you?

Montez Sweat: I love what Campbell’s is doing with the program. We’re donating 1,000 meals across America to hungry families in need for every sack we record. That motivates us to be at our best. I’m thrilled to be a part of this great initiative.

JM: It sure looked to motivate you guys on Sunday. What an incredible team win over the Los Angeles Rams. With all the noise in Chicago, did you feel like you guys needed that one? What was the vibe around the team?

Montez Sweat: We definitely felt like we needed that one. There’s always a great vibe around the locker room when you pick up a win. It’s extremely difficult to win in the National Football League. Getting that victory at home, you always want to protect homefield.

We got back to .500 and now we’re focused on going 1-0 the next time we play.

JM: It was an outstanding day for the defense with three sacks and two turnovers. That’s 3,000 meals donated by Campbell’s Chunky. I know you hold yourself and everyone to a high standard. Was that the type of defensive performance you expect weekly?

Montez Sweat: For the most part, I’d say yes. There’s always little things we’re going to go back and identify on film that need to be corrected. We have to focus on what we can improve on. It was a pretty good showing for the defense overall. We want to keep getting better every single week though. We need to keep moving in the right direction.

JM: You already have two sacks this season as you continue establishing yourself as one of the best sack artists in the league. How has your pass-rushing arsenal evolved since first entering the league?

Montez Sweat: Of course as the years have gone by, I’ve learned and mastered new techniques. I’ve leaned into who I am as a pass rusher. I have a diverse and athletic arsenal. I’ve studied other players around the league with similar body types. There’s a lot that goes into it. 

I’ve gotten so much better as a pass rusher since my rookie season.

JM: I know you’ve been a mentor to some of the young guys around you who are trying to get better as well. Sophomore defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. is actually leading the team in sacks with three. What have you seen from him this season?

Montez Sweat: We’ve unleashed him this season. He’s getting a lot more playing time than he did as a rookie. He’s out here taking advantage of his opportunities right now. He’s feeding off his teammates as well. We’re playing well collectively as a unit. He’s making plays for us.

JM: Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams probably played the best game of his young career on Sunday as well. This league can overreact to a bad performance or two. Did you have any words of wisdom or encouragement for Caleb after that showing?

Montez Sweat: Yeah, I did. I told Caleb Williams to keep doing exactly what he’s doing. He’s a very humble guy, but he’s also confident in his abilities. I told him to keep doing what he’s doing. It’s working for us.

JM: I've appreciated your time today. We appreciate the work you’re doing through the Chunky Sacks Hunger relief program. In closing, what are your goals for the remainder of this season?

Montez Sweat: Of course we want to win our division. We want to get into the playoffs and compete for a championship. That’s the goal every single year. Every team in the league has that same hope. That’s definitely our goal.