Khalil Mack has made it clear from the start. His only interest is in winning football games. This year it seems that has become his personal mission. It can’t just be about what he does. He has to start stepping up as a vocal leader. There were signs of this in the opening day win at Detroit where he was spotted on the sideline talking in an animated fashion to teammates after the Lions had just scored a touchdown.
That trend continued on Sunday at Soldier Field against the New York Giants. One thing Mack has never made clear is his stance on Mitch Trubisky. Making comments about the mercurial Bears quarterback isn’t something he’s ever really done. Well the cameras found out his feelings that day.
Mic’d up for the action, he was caught pulling Trubisky aside for a quick talk. As the two hugged it out, Mack challenged the young QB to earn his respect. He’s one of the best doing it. Time to go out and prove it. Quite a powerful moment from the usually stoic Bears star.
Khalil Mack seemed to have an effect
Why? Trubisky had arguably the best first half of his NFL career. He sliced and diced the Giants defense with 159 yards and two touchdowns, staking the Bears to a 17-0 halftime lead. Unfortunately, a number of miscues in the second half slowed his momentum. Not all of them his fault. Still, when the Bears needed a drive to help close it out? Trubisky delivered.
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With just under eight minutes left, the QB led the team on a march that chewed up over five. This included a huge 12-yard scramble for a first down to move the chains. It didn’t end up being his prettiest game, but the 26-year old again did enough to win. Mack will certainly walk away happy being 2-0.