If anything became apparent from Ryan Poles' discussion of the Bears and expectations following the trade for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons , it's that a higher level of play is expected from the entire defense.

In particular, defensive end Montez Sweat needs to play at a higher level. Referred to by Ben Johnson as "Steady Eddie," Sweat can't just produce average, dependable football now when offensive lines are focusing on stopping a holy terror like Simmons .

"That’s why I really believe that closest path to the quarterback, to the ball, is inside, and often times that will open up some things on the outside for your guys," Poles said.…