Nothing has gone right for the Chicago Bears to kick off the 2025 NFL season. Through two weeks, the Bears have gone 0-2 and have lost two NFC North battles.
Coming into the season, Chicago was supposed to take a step in the right direction. So far, it has been more of the same. Due to the poor play, Bears fans are growing increasingly frustrated with the team.
At this point, there are very few bright spots. That could change quickly, but the players need to step up and begin playing up to their full potential.
Read more:Bears QB Caleb Williams Sends Confident Message After 0-2 Start
One former Chicago star spoke out with some pointed and strong words aimed specifically at one player on the defensive side of the football.
Patrick Mannelly, who was the team's long snapper for 16 seasons, did not hesitate to open fire at pass rusher Montez Sweat. He made it clear that Sweat has not played well and needs to improve his level of play.
"Nobody's playing up to their pay," Mannelly said. "Montez Sweat, great, he came in and we started, came up with this 'Tez Effect.' Where is that? I want to see that. There's still some one-on-ones he's not getting. There's just plays that they're not finishing. You're getting paid to win those battles. You're getting paid to make a difference in the game."
Sweat received a lucrative four-year, $98 million contract. With the way he has played so far this season, he is robbing the Bears blind.
In the first two weeks of the season, the 29-year-old pass rusher has recorded six tackles and a defended pass. He does not have a sack yet this season.
Looking back to the 2024 season, Sweat wasn't necessarily great. He played in 16 regular season games, recording 32 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two defended passes. Those numbers aren't worth the contract he's being paid either.
Chicago is not in a good place. A season can turn around quickly, but there are a lot of reasons to expect that to happen.
Next up for the Bears will be a big Week 3 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field. That is as close to a must-win game as it can get this early in a year. Should Chicago drop to 0-3, its hopes of a playoff run could be gone already.
For more on the Chicago Bears and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Related Articles
2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.