When the discussion comes up on who the MVP is on the Chicago Bears defense so far, it’s hard to argue the title belongs to Khalil Mack. He leads the team with 4.5 sacks, has a boatload of additional pressures, and also might be their best run defender on top of it. The numbers don’t even tell the full story of how great he’s been this year.
His past two games alone prove this. He took Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Tristan Wirfs to school on Thursday Night Football, sacking Tom Brady twice. Then he introduced himself to Teddy Bridgewater last week in Carolina, ending one of their drives with a sack. The Bears pass rush has really started to crank up the dial lately with Mack leading the way.
Could Monday night in Los Angeles be their coming-out party?
One person thinks so, at least when it comes to Mack. Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones has liked what he’s seen from the Bears defense this year. The NFL Network staff were asked to give their bold predictions for this upcoming week of games. His choice centered around Mack whom he believes will make life hell for Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff.
“Mack, who has started to get on a roll with three sacks over the last two games, finally gets back to his dominating ways by recording four sacks — his most since he logged five vs. Denver in December of 2015.”
Khalil Mack won’t be along this time around
Last season when the Bears went to L.A., Mack was held without a sack. In fact, Goff wasn’t sacked at all. While the defense didn’t play poorly, their inability to get the Rams QB on the ground was an issue that came back to haunt them in critical moments. This time around should be different. Why? Mack will have help.
One person missing from that game a year ago was Akiem Hicks. He was on Injured Reserve with an elbow injury. The big defensive end is back now and every bit the fearsome interior force he’s always been. That’s not all though. Joining the fun is veteran pass rusher Robert Quinn who has turned up the heat a lot in recent weeks. Several of his rushes have led directly to big plays by the Bears defense.
With those two drawing attention, Mack should be freed up.
Thus far in 2020, the Rams have done a good job of protecting Goff. He’s never been sacked more than twice in any game this season. A big part of why is their run-first approach. Los Angeles looks to pound the ball every week and set Goff up with play action opportunities. This is important for the Bears because their run defense hasn’t exactly been top tier this season.
If they can’t at least slow the Rams ground attack down, then Mack won’t have as many chances to get after Goff. The last time he was sacked at least four times in a game was November of last year against Pittsburgh. How did they do it? By holding L.A. to just 88 yards rushing on 23 carries. Can the Bears do the same?
If they do, then Mack is in line to follow through on that prediction.