Montez Sweat is the engine that drives the Chicago Bears pass rush. Nobody disputes that. However, Gervon Dexter is a huge reason the defensive line is off to such a good start this season. The 2nd round pick from last year already has three sacks in the first four games, ranking in the top 10 for defensive tackles in almost every statistical category. Much of this is credited to his work over the winter and spring. Reports say Dexter lost 10 lbs, shaved down a ton of body fat, and built more muscle on his already impressive frame.
He’s also showcased a more advanced repertoire of moves, showcasing the work he put in to expand his arsenal. However, many great players often find success by setting a goal for themselves, either from season to season or over the course of a career. For Dexter, he wanted to make sure he set a mark for himself that would ensure nobody would call him a fluke or an afterthought. He told Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune what it is.
Upcoming opponents are going to begin circling Dexter in their game plans if he continues to produce. He had 2½ sacks last season and set a goal of “eight-plus” in 2024.
“I’m still shooting for that,” he said.
That seems realistic considering Dexter’s start and would be equal to the production from some of the better Bears interior pass rushers in recent decades.
Gervon Dexter is aiming for rare territory in Bears history.
Since sacks became an official stat in 1982, only four defensive tackles have managed to crack the 8-sack mark in a single season: Dan Hampton, Steve McMichael, Jim Flanigan, and Tommie Harris. You could include Akiem Hicks in that discussion, even though he was technically a 3-4 defensive end. The point is it’s pretty elite company Dexter is shooting for. He has 13 games left to get five more sacks. Some big opportunities loom on the schedule against some bad offensive lines like Jacksonville, New England, and Seattle.
If Gervon Dexter does reach that milestone, people will owe GM Ryan Poles an apology. He took a lot of heat last year for passing on Georgia star Jalen Carter in favor of Darnell Wright. Dexter was a “consolation prize” to many. Analysts felt he had good size and power but not enough explosiveness to become a true interior pass rusher. Poles and Matt Eberflus felt differently. He was a tremendous athlete. What he needed was a re-education on how to attack the line of scrimmage. It took some time, but the work and patience are paying off.
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Saturday, We took the train from north London to Cambridge to meet former colleagues. Ate and drank at the Green Dragon pub and restaurant. It was frequented by Oliver Cromwell playing darts in his kept spot/table/woods in the 1660s and JRR Tolkien’s area that provided him with so much inspiration by the river to write his novels. Both Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin members stayed next door at one time. Surprisingly, they served only Lebanese food with all sorts of English beers. Highly recommended! Don’t forget the Bears’ game in London on the 13th. I might keep you posted.
Shoot for 10 sacks but stop the run too with tackles behind the line of scrimmage, please.