The Green Bay Packers have consistently outperformed the Chicago Bears, winning 29 of their 40 regular season encounters since 2004.
However, the Bears are keen on reversing this trend as they near the end of a comprehensive rebuild, highlighted by the acquisition of standout defensive end Montez Sweat at last year’s trade deadline. Sweat is determined to end the Packers’ recent dominance over the Bears.
In a recent interview on the Green Light podcast hosted by Chris Long, Sweat expressed his resolve.
“I’m telling you right now, I’m not losing to Green Bay this year,” he stated, as reported by NBCSportsChicago.com. “I can’t do it. I can’t do it, man. I’m not losing to Green Bay this year.”
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Despite the Bears’ improved defense with Sweat on the field, they were defeated in both matchups against the Packers last season, with scores of 38-20 and 17-9. The latter loss in Week 18 was particularly significant, as a victory could have denied the Packers a playoff spot.
Looking ahead, both teams are positioned to be competitive with youthful rosters. The Packers, with one of the youngest playoff teams ever last year, have seen quarterback Jordan Love mature significantly over the season. On the other hand, the Bears ended last season on a high note, winning six of their last nine games, and hold the first and ninth overall picks in the upcoming NFL Draft. They are widely expected to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams first overall, aiming for immediate contention.
Sweat has already proven himself as an effective pass rusher and one of the league’s top performers in setting the edge against the run. His presence will enable new Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington to explore more creative defensive strategies.
However, Sweat’s confident proclamation about defeating the Packers marks a bold stance, especially given the intensity of the rivalry. Packers fans, no doubt, will hold him to his word in the upcoming season’s matchups.
