People have had a hard time describing what the impact of Khalil Mack has been like to the Chicago Bears since his arrival in September. Everybody knew the team was getting one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. A 27-year old in his mental and physical prime who is on a trajectory to the Hall of Fame. Even so, the reputation often doesn’t quite cover the man himself.
Descriptions are of a man totally dedicated to the game of football. Mack is a tireless worker and energetic beyond belief on the field. His enthusiasm is infectious and helped those around him play even better. A true leader who wants to win more than anybody. Truly the first player of his caliber the franchise has had since Brian Urlacher.
Nobody put it into more personal words than Aaron Lynch. He signed with the Bears as a free agent in March. He too didn’t know what they were getting when Mack arrived. Just a few months later, it appears Lynch has himself quite the man crush.
“I’m not trying to be all up on him but … That’s just a guy you want around. If you get into a bar fight, you want him in your corner. You want to hang out with him. You want him at your wedding.”
The Khalil Mack effect has been evident from the start
It’s important to remember that this defense is completely unchanged from the year before except for two positions. One being inside linebacker where rookie Roquan Smith is playing and the other at edge rusher with Mack replacing Pernell McPhee and Willie Young. The Bears were a top 10 unit last year but not anywhere near elite. This year? They’re top 5 in almost every single category
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- Sacks: 30 (5th)
- Interceptions: 16 (1st)
- Forced fumbles: 16 (2nd)
- Defensive TDs: 4 (1st)
- Run defense: 84 yards per game (2nd)
Mack has a hand in all of that. He has seven sacks in seven games, an interception for a touchdown, four forced fumbles and has been active consistently against the run. He’s a genuine superstar and as any sport will show, players who play around a superstar perform better. That’s why Lynch is so smitten with him. He’s having arguably the best season of his career with three sacks, eight QB hits, and an interception.
The fact that Chicago has Mack under contract for the next six years? It’s hard not to feel excited about the future.
