Khalil Mack doesn’t have to do a lot of talking on the field. His talent and ability are at such a point where his play alone can demoralize opponents. However, any superstar across sports knows there is a definite value to adding some trash talking to the mix. The more one can get in the opponents’ heads, the easier it is to dominate them in a game. Just because Mack comes across as quiet in interviews doesn’t mean he can’t gab.
Charles Leno Jr. helped Chicago Bears fans discover that. The left tackle was mic’d up during one of the final minicamp practices before the team went to break. He covered interesting topics including the fact that “Old Town Road” is not a country song. Where it got interesting though was during drills against the defense. During one sequence he was lined up against Mack.
Mitch Trubisky took the snap and the All-Pro pass rusher came off the ball. Leno came out to meet him. When the two came together, Mack was caught on the microphone saying one work to the Pro Bowl tackle.
“Quit.”
Khalil Mack doesn’t need a lot of words to be a savage
Some might question whether that’s what he actually said. However, on the very next clip, Leno was seen blocking Isaiah Irving. After the play he started chirping at the linebacker, stating, “You’re not gettin’ there.” So it’s clear the two sides were doing a bit of jawing back and forth. This means Mack absolutely could’ve said it. The fact that Leno had to say, “What’s up?” in a state of mild shock says it all.
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Perhaps it was a simple reminder to Leno that he was beaten even if pads weren’t involved. If Mack can be like that to his own teammate, it’s hard to imagine what sort of needles he has for opponents. Another reason the Bears should consider having him mic’d up a couple of times in 2019. He showed a bit of it last year against Seattle. Now that he’s more comfortable in the Bears system, it’s bound to only get better. Or in this case, worse.
