The Bears’ Big Trade May Have Unlocked Something Else

The Chicago Bears paid a substantial price for Jeffery Simmons because they needed someone who could change games from the middle of their defensive line. His first appearance offered an encouraging possibility: the trade could also help them get more from another expensive investment. Montez Sweat returned from his two-game suspension Monday night and immediately gave Seattle problems. He finished Chicago’s 34-17 victory with a sack, three quarterback hits and a tackle for loss. Two additional sacks were erased by defensive holding penalties. Afterward, Simmons revealed that he had arrived with a challenge for his former Mississippi State teammate.