Bears Lean on Defensive Surge as They Prepare for Eagles Test

The Chicago Bears have arrived at the post-Thanksgiving portion of their schedule in a far stronger position than most expected. At 8–3 and sitting first in the NFC North, they have already surpassed last season’s struggles and established themselves as a legitimate contender entering Week 13. Their next test comes against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, a matchup that could further clarify the Bears’ postseason trajectory.

Much of Chicago’s rise has centered on its new-look offense led by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and standout receiver Rome Odunze. Under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, the unit has delivered steady production, explosive stretches, and a renewed identity. Yet as impressive as the offense has been, the Bears’ progress would not have materialized without a dramatic improvement on the defensive side.

In recent weeks, that defensive effort has been anchored by veteran edge rusher Montez Sweat, who has become the center of Chicago’s pass-rush revival. Sweat’s ability to disrupt plays, stack sacks, and provide leadership has given the Bears the impact defender they lacked a season ago. With the playoff race tightening, his presence becomes even more vital.

The Bears are seeking their first division title since 2018 and enter Friday’s matchup with an opportunity to strengthen their grip on the NFC North. To do so, they will need to maintain the complementary formula that has powered their turnaround: creative offense, opportunistic defense, and timely plays from their emerging leaders.

1. Sweat’s Momentum Fuels Defensive Confidence

Montez Sweat has emerged as a defining force behind the Bears’ recent defensive surge. After opening the season without a single sack in the first six games, the veteran lineman has erupted, tallying 7.5 sacks since Week 7 and registering at least one sack in five of Chicago’s last six contests. His Week 12 performance — two sacks and a fumble recovery — highlighted not only his production but also the disruptive presence he brings to every snap. Head coach Ben Johnson challenged Sweat earlier in the year, noting that while the effort was there, the finishing plays were not. The message resonated. Since the bye week, Sweat has consistently generated pressure, anchored the edge, and delivered the game-altering moments expected from a top pass rusher. His emergence has added a critical layer of stability to a unit still working through injuries and lineup changes. Now in his seventh NFL season, Sweat appears to be hitting peak form at the most pivotal point of Chicago’s schedule. His size, speed, and ability to win one-on-one matchups have given the Bears a pass rusher capable of dictating protections — and he’ll need every bit of that edge against Jalen Hurts and a Philadelphia offense known for its physicality. As the Bears continue their push toward the postseason, Sweat’s leadership and consistency will remain central to their defensive identity. For a team that struggled to generate pressure last year, his surge changes the complexion of their entire operation.

2. Turnovers Define a Defense That Wins Differently

The Bears’ defensive turnaround has not aligned with traditional statistical benchmarks. Chicago still ranks near the bottom of the league in total yards allowed and run defense, mirroring last season’s metrics. Yet the difference — and the reason for their relevance in the NFC — lies in their remarkable ability to generate takeaways. Chicago leads the NFL with a +16 turnover differential, fueled by 16 interceptions and eight fumble recoveries. Safety Kevin Byard and cornerback Nahshon Wright have been at the forefront, each collecting five interceptions, while linebacker Tremaine Edmunds has added four more. Wright also contributed a pick-six in Week 1, one of several defensive touchdowns that have swung momentum at key moments. This opportunistic style has become a defining trait of Dennis Allen’s defense. Though they may bend in yardage, they rarely break in crucial situations. Interceptions in the red zone, forced fumbles after long drives, and timely breakups have allowed Chicago to compensate for its yardage deficiencies by creating extra possessions and shortening fields for the offense. Injuries have complicated matters — the Bears were without all three starting linebackers in their win over Pittsburgh — but the defense has remained resilient. Backups and role players have stepped into expanded duties without hesitation, preserving the unit’s disruptive rhythm. The result is a defensive profile that wins by impact rather than volume, a formula that has held up through 11 games.

3. Next-Man-Up Mindset Drives a Team With Playoff Aspirations

Chicago’s depth has been tested repeatedly, particularly on defense. With linebackers Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, and Noah Sewell sidelined last week, the Bears were forced to rely on less experienced players across multiple snaps. Instead of faltering, the unit embraced a collective mindset that has become a hallmark of the season. Defensive end Daniel Hardy, a rotational contributor through all 11 games, articulated that approach, noting that each injury represents an opportunity rather than a setback. That attitude has been evident in Chicago’s consistent execution, regardless of who is on the field. It has also aligned with Allen’s straightforward defensive system, which emphasizes assignment discipline, hustle, and creating chaos at the point of attack. With Sweat producing at an elite level and the secondary thriving on takeaways, the Bears have found a defensive balance that pairs well with their evolving offense. The coaching staff’s ability to generate buy-in from veterans and young players alike has fortified the team’s internal confidence heading into a demanding stretch. As Chicago prepares for its showdown with the Eagles and the final weeks of the season, its formula remains clear: pressure up front, opportunism in the secondary, and resilience throughout the roster. If those elements continue to hold, the Bears’ path toward a division title and postseason berth will remain firmly within reach.