Montez Sweat's pity party continues with another Commanders' swipe

The Washington Commanders are moving into an exciting new era with very few traces of the previous regime remaining. Everything across the franchise looks and feels different. Adam Peters' roster revamp brought fresh faces aplenty with a newfound sense of professionalism. Dan Quinn and his coaching staff galvanized the group with renewed energy and clear direction with everyone working in unison.

Nobody is looking back these days. The mistakes of an owner who turned one of the league's most storied franchises into a neglected embarrassment are being rectified. Getting back into contention will take time, but the positivity and enhanced infrastructure almost guarantee they'll get back to the promised land one day.

That hasn't stopped those who harbor resentment towards the old decision-makers from taking their shots. Montez Sweat has been more vocal than most after his shocking trade to the Chicago Bears before the 2023 deadline. He was bitter about the move and wasn't afraid to let people know how bad things were in Washington. That's not exactly breaking news for fans who had to sit through years of abject failure.

Montez Sweat takes another swipe at Commanders' toxic environment

Sweat highlighted the dismal environment and how being around players supposedly okay with constant losing had a detrimental impact on his production via Fan Nation. He believes the mindset in Chicago is a breath of fresh air - something that's also seen the former first-round pick assume more of a leadership role along the way.

"It was a toxic, heavy toll, just losing and people around you being kinda OK with losing. It could sometimes rub off on you. You’ve gotta stay hungry and know that you want to win. I’ve grown into a leader. I used to always like to lead by example, but lately I’ve felt myself talking more, encouraging guys more and just being that vessel for those guys to get some confidence."

- Montez Sweat via Fan Nation

Just what the point was of Sweat laying into the Commanders again is anyone's guess. The atmosphere might be different in Chicago. But make no mistake, it has completely changed for the better in Washington after one of the most dramatic offseasons in franchise history.

The dark cloud has lifted. Players are refreshed and full of energy heading into their upcoming challenges. There's a close-knit bond and collective mindset that wasn't evident nearly enough throughout Ron Rivera's head coaching tenure. Hope is restored among the fanbase, although many are taking the cautious approach after being burned by offseason expectations previously.

Washington wasn't looking to trade Sweat. They were intent on moving Chase Young. Plans changed when those in power got an offer they believed was too good to turn down heading into a rebuild of epic proportions. That probably stung, but this is a business above all else.

Sweat should focus on the future rather than dwelling on the past. He got his money, reached the Pro Bowl in 2023, and is one of the Bears' cornerstone pieces as they look to make significant strides with No. 1 pick Caleb Williams leading the charge. Letting everyone know how toxic things were in Washington is pointless - everyone already knows.

And after so much positivity throughout the offseason, nobody cares either.

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