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USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Predicting the Chicago Bears' starting defense after 2025 offseason
The Chicago Bears wrapped their offseason program earlier this month, and the countdown is on for training camp in July. With the arrival of new head coach Ben Johnson, he added an experienced defensive coordinator (and former head coach) in Dennis Allen to lead the defense. There are plenty of established veterans in place, led by cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, defensive end Montez Sweat and linebackers T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds. When looking at this defense, it's essentially set (although there's sure to be plenty of competition for depth spots). With that in mind, here's our updated predictions for what the Bears' starting offense will look like. DE Montez Sweat Following a career year, where he had 12.5 sacks, expectations were high for Pro Bowler Montez Sweat in 2024. But his production dipped in his first full season with the Bears, where he had the fewest sacks (5.5) since the 2021 season (5.0). Sweat battled ankle, toe and shin injuries that limited him, but he did appear in all but one game. Chicago's pass rush lacked a true complement to Sweat, who commanded extra attention with double teams and chips, which showed in the lack of production off the edge outside of Sweat. DE Dayo Odeyingbo Following the release of DeMarcus Walker, the Bears brought in Dayo Odeyingbo (who signed a three-year, $48 million deal) to shore up the edge opposite Sweat. While Odeyingbo wasn't the big name everyone was expecting, he's a young, ascending player in this league that could flash in Dennis Allen's defense. Odeyingbo also brings versatility to the defensive line, as he can line up off the edge or along the interior. DT Grady Jarrett Chicago made a huge addition to the interior defensive line with the signing of Grady Jarrett, who was released by the Atlanta Falcons at the start of free agency. Last season, Garrett totaled 53 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and 12 QB hits in 17 starts with the Falcons. He's a former All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler that figures to be a valuable contributor on defense. The Bears get a dominant interior lineman and a leader for this young defensive line. Andrew Billings also figures to serve a significant role, as it'll be a four-man rotation with Jarrett, Dexter, Billings and rookie Shemar Turner. DT Gervon Dexter Last season, Gervon Dexter was the most pleasant surprise on defense in his first full season starting. He set career highs across the board in total tackles (51), tackles for loss (4), sacks (5.0), QB hits (19) and fumble recoveries (2). Unfortunately, Dexter's production took a hit after the loss of Andrew Billings. But he's still established himself as a key player along the defensive interior, and he serves to benefit as he continues to learn from Billings and now Grady Jarrett. LB T.J. Edwards T.J. Edwards is entering the final year of his contract, and he's been worth every penny of his affordable contract signed back in 2023. Even as the Bears defense regressed as the season went on, Edwards continued to make plays and proved to be one of their better players. He totaled 129 tackles, six QB hits, one interception, three pass breakups, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries, as well as set career highs in sacks (4) and tackles for loss (12). Edwards has proven to be an impactful off-ball linebacker who could thrive in new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's system. LB Tremaine Edmunds The Bears made a splash when they signed Tremaine Edmunds to a four-year, $72 million contract in 2023, but he hasn't lived up to the hype (or the money). While Edmunds had a solid first year, he took a step back in 2024, and he's going to need to prove his worth this season. Edmunds, who has the fourth-highest cap hit at $17.43 million, has plenty to prove this season as new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen steps in. Otherwise, there's an out for Chicago in the final year of his contract in 2026. CB Jaylon Johnson After signing a well-deserved contract extension in the offseason, Jaylon Johnson once again proved that he's one of the most important players on this Bears roster -- and one of the NFL's best cornerbacks. Johnson had his second consecutive Pro Bowl season, where he forced three turnovers and recorded a career-high in tackles (53) and tackles for loss (7) all with teams electing to steer clear of him when they could. He'll be a cornerstone of Dennis Allen's defense. CB Tyrique Stevenson Tyrique Stevenson looked primed for a breakout season following an impressive Week 1 performance against the Titans, which included a pick-6 and NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Unfortunately, his entire second season was marred by his part in the Hail Mary loss against the Commanders, where he was seen on video talking with fans -- and out of place -- as the final play got underway. But Stevenson should benefit from the addition of new head coach Ben Johnson and this coaching staff. We'll see if Terell Smith or rookie Zah Frazier will beat him out of a starting job. NCB Kyler Gordon Kyler Gordon has developed into one of the NFL's best nickel cornerbacks, and he could find even more success under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Last season, he had a career-high 75 tackles, including our tackles for loss, four pass breakups, 0.5 sack, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and two QB hits in 15 games. Gordon certainly fits that "attacking, aggressive style of defense" that Allen is looking to build in Chicago. Gordon inked a three-year, $40 million contract extension to keep him in Chicago through 2028. S Kevin Byard The Bears signed Byard to a two-year, $15 million deal last offseason, and he was one of the more reliable members of the defense, posting a career-high 130 total tackles, becoming the first Bears defensive back to lead the team in tackles since 2014. He also tied a career-high 2.0 sacks and made plays be it through forcing takeaways, recovering turnovers and breaking up passes. Byard also started every game in 2024, which was huge for this defense. But outside of his production was his impact as a whole, as Byard served as a veteran leader in a relatively young secondary. S Jaquan Brisker Jaquan Brisker has been an integral member of this Bears defense, but health remains his biggest hurdle. Last season, Brisker suffered his third concussion, in as many seasons, in Week 5, and he missed the remainder of the season. His loss was certainly felt, as Chicago juggled between Elijah Hicks and Jonathan Owens, but his health was more concerning. Brisker said on social media that he's good to go for this season. And while he should be gearing up for a contract extension, he needs to play a full season before the Bears make a move.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why South Carolina women's basketball forward Maryam Dauda swapped time off for extra training
COLUMBIA — Before South Carolina women's basketball's 2024-25 season even ended, Maryam Dauda knew where she'd be in May. Whether the Gamecocks and coach Dawn Staley finished with a title again, as they did in 2024 before Dauda transferred from Arkansas, the 6-foot-4 forward had plans no matter what. Advertisement "I just feel like I have so much to learn," Dauda told The Greenville News. "Coming into a new system, learning this system, learning the pace of the game and I am very excited for the offseason because I am going to be in the gym," Dauda said with a smile. And she kept that promise to herself. After the Gamecocks lost to UConn in the championship on April 6, Dauda got back to work. Though she wasn't required to be in Columbia in May, she was. She worked with sports performance coach Molly Binetti and a local skills and development coach, Drevon Sweat. South Carolina's Maryam Dauda's offseason work South Carolina's assistant coaches can't participate in offseason training with the players until summer practices begin in mid/late June. Advertisement Sweat, a 2022 South Carolina graduate, has been doing 1-on-1 training sessions with Dauda since the season ended. "She didn't want to go home," Sweat said, who worked previously with former players Te-Hina Paopao, Zia Cooke, LeLe Grissett, and Destiny Littleton. "She wanted to stay here, keep working and be ready, more prepared for the upcoming season." In her first season under Staley, Dauda's minutes and impact varied. When she first arrived, the Gamecocks hadn't lost a game since March 31, 2023 and were fresh off an undefeated season. Dauda along with two freshmen joined the program but only one left. The dynamic wasn't necessarily easy to navigate. Dauda averaged 6.4 minutes and two points per game during the 2024-25 season. At Arkansas, she averaged 28.7 minutes and 10.1 points per game. She knew transferring meant sacrificing a starring role. Advertisement A key difference in her game is how she stretches the floor, something that Sweat recognized not many forwards can do. She can shoot 3-pointers, but only shot 25% last season. Before the Final Four against Texas, Dauda was drilling 3-pointers in practice when Staley asked her when she was going to do that in a game. The next day, she hit on with 24.8 seconds left to push South Carolina's lead to 20. After the game, Dauda said a sense of relief and also confidence ran through her body. Ensuring those moments are no longer few and far between is one of the many goals of the offseason. "As a team, it gives them more assets to use," Sweat said of her 3-point shooting. Advertisement In addition to sharpening her shooting, training sessions are about moving faster, being more physical, Sweat said. The duo wants to improve her confidence, dribbling, and foot speed. "A lot of little things but they add up to big things," Sweat said. "I think people will see, all the extra things ... it's about getting used to moving at a 110% but being able to slow down when playing at that speed." South Carolina's Maryam Dauda looks to improve her game for 2025-26 Dauda's game made visible improvements from her first moments in a Gamecocks uniform in November to big time minutes in March and April. In the SEC tournament win against Oklahoma on March 8, Dauda had a team-high +18, with five points, three steals, three rebounds, two blocks and one assist in 12 minutes. Advertisement "She's starting to put it all together," Staley said after the game. Dauda isn't the first college athlete to opt out of summer relaxation and instead get extra work in to improve their game. However, Sweat still sees a uniqueness about her approach during the sessions, which are typically four days a week. REQUIRED READING: Olivia Thompson's journey from South Carolina women's basketball reserve to podcast host Throughout the last month, Sweat has seen improvement in her strength, ball control, and stamina. Her ability to go 110% for the entire workout wasn't something Dauda could necessarily do last offseason. Advertisement "She's working hard and it's hard work," Sweat said. "She's not late, she's on time, she's working the whole time and not complaining. It's not easy work, she could be at the beach but it's impressive with what she's doing. Nowadays with the college landscape, there's a lot of other factors going on but the fact that she's here, working hard, focused, it's impressive." Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@ and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Why South Carolina forward Maryam Dauda dedicated her offseason to training
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
New Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat works to bring franchise same success he had in Philly
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Walter Nolen III (97) works on a blocking drill with Cardinals defensive line coach Winston DeLattiboudere III during an NFL football practice Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, right, and Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis watch defensive line drills during an NFL football practice Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Walter Nolen III (97) works on a blocking drill with Cardinals defensive line coach Winston DeLattiboudere III during an NFL football practice Tuesday, June 3, 2025, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, right, and Cardinals defensive coordinator Nick Rallis watch defensive line drills during an NFL football practice Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The most recent time edge rusher Josh Sweat was seen on an NFL field, he was making life miserable for Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the Eagles' Super Bowl win in February. Now he hopes to lead the Arizona Cardinals to that sort of success. Advertisement 'All you got to do is approach every day with your max effort,' Sweat said on Wednesday during the second day of the team's minicamp. 'I promise you'll see a result. That's what made the difference for me.' The 28-year-old Sweat signed a $76.4 million, four-year contract in March as the centerpiece of the Cardinals' rebuild of the defensive front. General manager Monti Ossenfort also added free agent linemen Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell, and selected Walter Nolen III with the No. 16 overall pick out of Mississippi. On top of that, Darius Robinson — a first-round pick last season from Missouri — hopes to make a big jump after an injury-filled rookie season. This year's third-round pick Jordan Burch is also pushing for a role. But it's Sweat whom the Cardinals expect to lead the way. Advertisement 'I embrace it,' Sweat said. 'At the end of the day, I'm trying to be the best teammate I can be and help out however I can." Third-year coach Jonathan Gannon is pleased that Sweat has embraced more leadership heading into his eighth NFL season. Arizona finished 8-9 last season, which was a four-win improvement over 2023. Now the franchise is trying to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2021. 'Guys pick his brain about certain things,' Gannon said. 'He'll help in that way, because he's played a lot of ball. He's been successful. I always say, 'You want to know ball, talk to the players.' He's one of those guys you can talk to.' Advertisement Sweat's resume speaks for itself. He had 2 1/2 sacks of Mahomes in Philadelphia's 40-22 victory over Kansas City in the Super Bowl. He added eight sacks during the regular season and has been a consistent pass rush threat with 39 sacks over the past five seasons, including at least six each year. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. 'I know he can impact a game,' Gannon said. 'That's one of the reasons we signed him.' Gannon is familiar with Sweat's talent after spending two seasons with him in 2021 and 2022 as the Eagles defensive coordinator. The Eagles made the Super Bowl in Gannon's final year before losing to the Chiefs, which was one of the big reasons he earned his first opportunity to be a head coach with the Cardinals. Advertisement Nick Rallis — Arizona's defensive coordinator — was also with the Eagles during those two seasons as linebackers coach. The hope is the familiar faces will help Sweat make a quick transition to a new franchise. 'From a standpoint of what his job description is — that's not going to change much,' Gannon said. 'Then it's just tweaking his game. There's some differences than what we did with him (in Philadelphia) to what we do now and he picked it up quick.' Sweat agreed: 'The scheme, you can play fast in it. Picking it up is easy. It's not going to take me very long at all.' ___ AP NFL:
San Francisco Chronicle
11-06-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
New Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat works to bring franchise same success he had in Philly
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The most recent time edge rusher Josh Sweat was seen on an NFL field, he was making life miserable for Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the Eagles' Super Bowl win in February. Now he hopes to lead the Arizona Cardinals to that sort of success. 'All you got to do is approach every day with your max effort,' Sweat said on Wednesday during the second day of the team's minicamp. 'I promise you'll see a result. That's what made the difference for me.' The 28-year-old Sweat signed a $76.4 million, four-year contract in March as the centerpiece of the Cardinals' rebuild of the defensive front. General manager Monti Ossenfort also added free agent linemen Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell, and selected Walter Nolen III with the No. 16 overall pick out of Mississippi. On top of that, Darius Robinson — a first-round pick last season from Missouri — hopes to make a big jump after an injury-filled rookie season. This year's third-round pick Jordan Burch is also pushing for a role. But it's Sweat whom the Cardinals expect to lead the way. 'I embrace it,' Sweat said. 'At the end of the day, I'm trying to be the best teammate I can be and help out however I can." Third-year coach Jonathan Gannon is pleased that Sweat has embraced more leadership heading into his eighth NFL season. Arizona finished 8-9 last season, which was a four-win improvement over 2023. Now the franchise is trying to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2021. 'Guys pick his brain about certain things,' Gannon said. 'He'll help in that way, because he's played a lot of ball. He's been successful. I always say, 'You want to know ball, talk to the players.' He's one of those guys you can talk to.' Sweat's resume speaks for itself. He had 2 1/2 sacks of Mahomes in Philadelphia's 40-22 victory over Kansas City in the Super Bowl. He added eight sacks during the regular season and has been a consistent pass rush threat with 39 sacks over the past five seasons, including at least six each year. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. 'I know he can impact a game,' Gannon said. 'That's one of the reasons we signed him.' Gannon is familiar with Sweat's talent after spending two seasons with him in 2021 and 2022 as the Eagles defensive coordinator. The Eagles made the Super Bowl in Gannon's final year before losing to the Chiefs, which was one of the big reasons he earned his first opportunity to be a head coach with the Cardinals. Nick Rallis — Arizona's defensive coordinator — was also with the Eagles during those two seasons as linebackers coach. The hope is the familiar faces will help Sweat make a quick transition to a new franchise. 'From a standpoint of what his job description is — that's not going to change much,' Gannon said. 'Then it's just tweaking his game. There's some differences than what we did with him (in Philadelphia) to what we do now and he picked it up quick.' ___
Fox Sports
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
New Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat works to bring franchise same success he had in Philly
Associated Press TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The most recent time edge rusher Josh Sweat was seen on an NFL field, he was making life miserable for Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in the Eagles' Super Bowl win in February. Now he hopes to lead the Arizona Cardinals to that sort of success. 'All you got to do is approach every day with your max effort,' Sweat said on Wednesday during the second day of the team's minicamp. 'I promise you'll see a result. That's what made the difference for me.' The 28-year-old Sweat signed a $76.4 million, four-year contract in March as the centerpiece of the Cardinals' rebuild of the defensive front. General manager Monti Ossenfort also added free agent linemen Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell, and selected Walter Nolen III with the No. 16 overall pick out of Mississippi. On top of that, Darius Robinson — a first-round pick last season from Missouri — hopes to make a big jump after an injury-filled rookie season. This year's third-round pick Jordan Burch is also pushing for a role. But it's Sweat whom the Cardinals expect to lead the way. 'I embrace it,' Sweat said. 'At the end of the day, I'm trying to be the best teammate I can be and help out however I can." Third-year coach Jonathan Gannon is pleased that Sweat has embraced more leadership heading into his eighth NFL season. Arizona finished 8-9 last season, which was a four-win improvement over 2023. Now the franchise is trying to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2021. 'Guys pick his brain about certain things,' Gannon said. 'He'll help in that way, because he's played a lot of ball. He's been successful. I always say, 'You want to know ball, talk to the players.' He's one of those guys you can talk to.' Sweat's resume speaks for itself. He had 2 1/2 sacks of Mahomes in Philadelphia's 40-22 victory over Kansas City in the Super Bowl. He added eight sacks during the regular season and has been a consistent pass rush threat with 39 sacks over the past five seasons, including at least six each year. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. 'I know he can impact a game,' Gannon said. 'That's one of the reasons we signed him.' Gannon is familiar with Sweat's talent after spending two seasons with him in 2021 and 2022 as the Eagles defensive coordinator. The Eagles made the Super Bowl in Gannon's final year before losing to the Chiefs, which was one of the big reasons he earned his first opportunity to be a head coach with the Cardinals. Nick Rallis — Arizona's defensive coordinator — was also with the Eagles during those two seasons as linebackers coach. The hope is the familiar faces will help Sweat make a quick transition to a new franchise. 'From a standpoint of what his job description is — that's not going to change much,' Gannon said. 'Then it's just tweaking his game. There's some differences than what we did with him (in Philadelphia) to what we do now and he picked it up quick.' Sweat agreed: 'The scheme, you can play fast in it. Picking it up is easy. It's not going to take me very long at all.' ___ AP NFL: recommended
