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Redskins: Studs and duds from the team’s Week 3 loss to the Bears

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins reacts after a pass interference call in the end zone during the first half against the Chicago Bears at FedExField on September 23, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins reacts after a pass interference call in the end zone during the first half against the Chicago Bears at FedExField on September 23, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Tarik Cohen #29 of the Chicago Bears is tackled by Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Redskins during the first quarter in the game at FedExField on September 23, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Tarik Cohen #29 of the Chicago Bears is tackled by Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Redskins during the first quarter in the game at FedExField on September 23, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Stud: EDGE Montez Sweat

Early on against the Bears, it looked like the Washington pass rush was set to have a big day. That never materialized, but Montez Sweat managed to stand out during the game.

In the first quarter, Sweat was able to notch the first sack of his NFL career. The first-round pick out of Mississippi State was able to use his athletic ability and length to get around the Bears’ left tackle, Charles Leno Jr., to get to Mitchell Trubisky. It was a very clean play and Sweat did just about everything right and showed off why he was worthy of a first-round selection.

For the rest of the evening, Sweat and the ‘Skins didn’t get much pressure. But he was able to continue to do something he hasn’t been getting enough credit for. Sweat continued to defend the run well.

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Sweat ended up with seven tackles during the game against the Bears, tied for third-most on the team. He knows how to use his length and strength to beat opposing blockers and make plays against the run. Edge players don’t often get enough credit for being able to do this, but Sweat has proven to be excellent in this category. That will give him the potential to be a true, three-down player at the NFL level.

Sweat had been maligned by fans after his first two games as a Redskin. But the fact was that he was going up against two of the league’s best offensive lines. Against a slightly weaker but still-strong Bears unit, more of his athletic upside was on display.

As the season progresses, so too should Sweat. And it’s important to remember that edge rushers don’t always make an early impact in the NFL. After all, Khalil Mack had just four sacks as a rookie. So, it’s important for the team to be patient with Sweat. As he plays more, he’ll get better. And tonight was a good example of that.

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