Sweat forces the Texans to adapt, and it forces Stroud to alter his style of play.
This player is key to the Chicago Bears upsetting the Houston Texans in week two
This could probably be said every week, but it will ring true in week two more than in other weeks. If the Chicago Bears want to beat the Houston Texans, they need a huge game from their star edge rusher Montez Sweat.
Sweat did not record a sack, but did have three pressures in week one. That is not a reason to panic, but the Bears need more, and they are going to need it instantly because they are facing a star quarterback and a high-powered offense this week.
This is a big week for Sweat because when you break down the Texans offensive line, the potential weak link sits at right tackle. Tytus Howard is a former first-round pick, but his career has been up-and-down.
The Chicago Bears need a big game from Montez Sweat against the Houston Texans
Howard has started a lot at right tackle throughout his career, but last year, he played primarily left guard before a season-ending injury shut things down for him in week 12.
Howard is coming back from the injury and moving back from left guard to right tackle. Things have been a bit shaky early on. He allowed three pressures and gave up a sack to Kwity Paye in the 2024 season debut.
Sweat lines up against the right tackle almost exclusively, so this is not a matchup that the Bears have to scheme for or look to. This is just the person he is expected to face and more than anyone on the line; he should have an advantage.
Forcing the Texans to keep a running back or tight end inside to help Howard chip Sweat would be one less pass-catcher running a route for the defense to worry about, allowing them to lock in on the wide receivers.
C.J. Stroud is great at avoiding pressure, so even if Sweat does not get a sack, it could be enough. Still, the Texans have to adjust to Sweat and Stroud has to change the way he plays because of Sweat. Those would be signs that the Bears have a real chance to win the game.
