Khalil Mack didn’t have a “bad” season in 2019. He had 8.5 sacks and was close to his 2018 totals in QB hits and pressures. Yet people act like he regressed into oblivion. Some even had the nerve to wonder if he’s even an elite player anymore. So is it any wonder that coaches have said the 29-year old is putting in the most work this offseason they’ve seen yet from him?
It’s to the point where he’s literally taking Zoom calls from his weight room. That is how committed he is to being 100% ready for this season. The guy was already a terror during his normal routine. It is terrifying to think about what an all-in version looks like. Jay Glazer of The Athletic believes Bears fans are going to find out.
The league insider was asked a simple question during his weekly mailbag. Who leads the league in tackles, sacks, and interceptions. Rather than give a straight answer, he instead used it as a platform to promise one thing.
Mack will be back with a vengeance in 2020.
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“Prediction: Who leads the league in tackles, sacks, and INTs? —Noah S.
I don’t know but here’s who I think has the biggest bounce-back season: It’s Khalil Mack with the Bears. I think he’s going to be one of those guys who will use last year to motivate him. We saw what happened when he was motivated two years ago. I think Mack will have a strong bounce-back season.”
Khalil Mack is primed to do basically what he wants this year
Dealing with a Mack in peak physical condition is hard enough for opposing offenses. So try to imagine doing that when you can’t double team him all the time. That is the nightmare scenario. One the Bears worked hard to create. First is the return of Akiem Hicks. His interior presence made Mack a terror in 2018 and early 2019 before suffering his unfortunate elbow injury. If that weren’t bad enough, it’s about to get worse.
One thing the Bears defense missed for two years was a presence at the opposite edge rush position. Something Leonard Floyd was supposed to handle. He failed. Now that job has fallen in the hands of Robert Quinn, fresh off 11.5 sacks last season. Single-blocking him isn’t something teams want to consider. With he and Hicks prepared to eat, teams won’t be able to focus on Mack any longer.
A truly terrifying prospect.