Khalil Mack didn’t mince words this week. What happened for the Chicago Bears defense on opening day in Detroit was not acceptable. Giving up almost 500 yards of offense? Allowing 23 points that probably should’ve been 30 if not for a drop in the end zone by a rookie running back? It was an ugly performance and the Bears’ star pass rusher isn’t hiding from it. They have to be better.
Word is the defense was considerably more aggressive in practice this week. Rumors are Mack isn’t the only one angry about last Sunday. The guys are angry and anxious to get back on the field. Their big opportunity comes against the New York Giants at Soldier Field. A team with a promising young quarterback in Daniel Jones but also a leaky offensive line that allowed 16 pressures and three sacks last week.
This would explain why former scout and personnel director Marc Ross predicted Mack would have a huge performance against them.
“Khalil Mack has not had a two-sack game since Week 3 of 2019, and he’s had only one forced fumble in his last 13 outings. He breaks out of his slump in a big way, taking advantage of New York Giants rookie LT Andrew Thomas and journeyman RT Cam Fleming by recording 2.5 sacks and forcing QB Daniel Jones to fumble. Mack’s resurgent performance leads the Bears to their first 2-0 start since 2013 and wins him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3jsW6B4fQM&ab_channel=jdingerclipz
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Khalil Mack will have a lot of help this time around
One of the persistent issues for Mack since arriving in Chicago was the lack of a legitimate pass rusher at the opposite linebacker spot. Leonard Floyd never was able to live up to his potential as a 1st round pick. Barkevious Mingo was never supposed to be a starter on opening day either. Thankfully the Bears’ original plan is finally ready to unfold as Robert Quinn practiced in full for the first time on Friday.
The veteran pass rusher is fresh off 11.5 sacks in 2019. He is a true quarterback hunter that offenses won’t be able to ignore. With both him and Akiem Hicks drawing plenty of attention, it’s likely Mack will see more single blocks than he has in years. Bad things happen to quarterbacks when this is the case.
This is why the Giants will try desperately to establish the run in this game. That is the only hope they have of keeping that pass rush under control.