Montez Sweat Gears Up for Showdown with Former Team: "This Isn’t Just Another Game"
Chicago, IL – October 13, 2025
The stage is set for one of the most anticipated matchups of the season as Montez Sweat prepares to face off against his former team, the Washington Commanders, in a Week 6 clash. The game carries extra significance for Sweat, who was traded to the Chicago Bears in 2023 and is now determined to prove his worth against the organization that moved on from him.
“This isn’t just another game — this is personal,” Sweat said in a pre-game interview. “I’ve got something to prove, not just to them, but to myself. I know what I bring to the table, and I’m going to show everyone that the Bears made the right choice. I’m coming for everything, and I’m bringing the heat with me.”
The Bears' defensive end, who has been a force since joining Chicago, is motivated to show the Commanders they made a mistake in letting him go. Sweat's impact on the Bears has been undeniable, leading their defense with seven sacks and multiple forced fumbles in his first full season. This season, his performance has continued to improve as he has adapted to the team’s defensive system under head coach Matt Eberflus.
Sweat’s intensity and fire have been contagious, with the Bears' defense beginning to hit its stride as the season progresses. He has been a key contributor to Chicago’s resurgence, often acting as a disruptive force against opposing quarterbacks. As Sweat approaches this game against his former team, it’s clear that his competitive spirit is reaching new heights.
The matchup itself presents a fascinating individual battle: Sweat will be lining up against a Washington offensive line that has struggled with consistency this season. The Commanders have given up 18 sacks through five games, and Sweat will be looking to exploit that weakness. His speed, power, and ability to get after the quarterback make him a nightmare for any offensive line, but facing his former team adds an extra layer of motivation.
For the Commanders, this game presents an opportunity for redemption. The decision to trade Sweat to the Bears was one that many analysts questioned at the time, and with the Commanders' pass rush currently struggling, they may be regretting that move. Sweat’s performance could make a statement to both the Commanders’ front office and the league about his value and determination.
Sweat’s focus, however, remains on the Bears and their quest for a playoff spot. The team is currently sitting at a 3–2 record, and a victory over Washington would solidify their standing in the NFC North. “It’s all about team goals. I want to help us get to the next level,” Sweat said. “But if I can make a big impact on this game, especially against the team that traded me, that would mean something extra.”
Bears fans are eagerly anticipating Sweat’s return to Washington, hoping he can channel his motivation into a dominant performance. The energy around the game is palpable, and if Sweat delivers on his promise, he could cement his status as one of the league’s most formidable pass rushers. Whether he’s fighting for respect from his former team or contributing to his new team’s success, Sweat is ready for what lies ahead.
With the game just days away, the eyes of the NFL will be watching closely. Montez Sweat’s personal battle against the Commanders isn’t just about football — it’s about proving a point. If his previous performances are any indication, he’s ready to make a statement on the field and show that the Bears were right to bring him in.
NFL insider confirms the obvious with status of Minnesota Vikings QBs J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz
One of the biggest stories in the NFL is what the Minnesota Vikings will do at the quarterback position.
Head coach Kevin O'Connell went into the season with J.J. McCarthy as his unquestioned starter, despite never having played a single game in the regular season. They made efforts to try and find a quality backup, even offering Daniel Jones substantial money to stay in Minnesota, but he chose correctly, as he's now the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts.
The Vikings ended up settling on a quarterback room of McCarthy, Sam Howell, Brett Rypien, and Max Brosmer, but made a major pivot by trading Howell after the final preseason game and signing Carson Wentz to be the backup.
J.J. McCarthy Injury Timeline
- J.J. McCarthy suffered a high ankle sprain in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2
- Kevin O'Connell told the media about the injury the next day, saying he could miss some time
- Carson Wentz went 2-1 as the starting quarterback for the Vikings, raising questions whether or not he would remain the starter
Tom Pelissero confirms J.J. McCarthy is the starting quarterback
NFL insider Tom Pelissero was on NFL Game Day talking about the Vikings quarterback situation, and he was clear that McCarthy is the starting quarterback.
"The Vikings quarterback situation is murky, to say the least. J.J. McCarthy, I'm told, got good work during the bye week. He should be able to return to practice this week, but McCarthy is still not 100%
on that ankle," said Pelissero. "They've got to see his mobility. They got to see how the ankle responds, and they got to make sure he is comfortable and in a groove from an operational perspective, before they put him back out on the field.
"Meanwhile, his backup, Carson Wentz is dealing with a left shoulder injury, and he could be limited in practice this week, a lot to sort through to figure out who's going to be out there on the field next week against the Eagles."
We've been in a situation over the last three weeks where there have been rumors about whether or not the Vikings had "quietly benched" the first-year starter. After the 48-10 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, O'Connell was asked about whether or not McCarthy would be the starter once he's healthy, and his words confirmed that he would be without actually saying it.
"I think first and foremost, he's got to get healthy," said O'Connell on September 22nd. "And then, throughout that process, I don't think it's one of those things where it's, ‘Hey, the day he's healthy.’ And if he's healthy the night before a game, we're going to just throw him out there and say, ‘Hey, go figure it out’ type of thing. I think we saw as phenomenal as he was getting prepared for the Atlanta game, he did miss practice that week. And when you're in the phase of building up the 10,000 reps and 10,000 hours of what it takes to play the position at a very high level, which we know J.J. McCarthy is going to do, you can't cut corners on that. And that also doesn't require an answer on that question today."
McCarthy was always going to be the guy once he was healthy, and it's been the case the entire time. We can put this to rest now.
