Khalil Mack was not a happy man after the opener against Green Bay. Rather than speak to the media following the 10-3 loss, he gathered his belongings and headed right out of the locker room. It’s clear he wasn’t happy losing a game 10-3 after such a stellar night by the defense. One can imagine he was feeling much the same for most of the day in Denver. For 59 minutes, the Chicago Bears defense had held the Broncos to just six points.
However, with 30 seconds left and completely gassed after almost 33 minutes on the field in mountain altitude and dealing with 90-degree heat, they couldn’t hold up any longer. Denver scored a touchdown and then added a two-point conversion to go ahead 14-13. One can only imagine how he felt. facing the situation. His offense, which had managed just 16 total points over almost two complete games, had to drive 45-50 yards to have an even reasonable shot at a field goal in 30 seconds.
One can imagine hopes weren’t high. Then with help from a timely penalty and a big play from Mitch Trubisky to Allen Robinson, the Bears gave kicker Eddy Pineiro a chance at a 53-yard attempt with one second remaining. Against all the odds and the recent history this team has endured, Pineiro nailed it. Chicago won 16-14, escaping the dreaded 0-2 start to the season.
Nobody had a more fitting reaction than Mack himself, who put a colorful edge on his response to being asked about the kick.
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Khalil Mack should never stop being awesome
Mack had himself another excellent game in Denver. He had a sack, a tackle for loss, a QB hit, and a pass defense. He also helped the Bears draw six holding penalties on the Broncos offensive line, which might as well be sacks. It looks like he’s well on his way to another excellent season. Yet it’s not the stats he is concerned about. He wants to win. At 28-years old, his window of opportunity to get a ring won’t be open forever.
So he’s doing whatever it is he has to do to help the Bears pile up victories. His emotional response to this one speaks volumes. It was big in so many ways. The Bears have often been the victims in games like this. Holding a late lead only to have a series of wacky circumstances see them lose it in the final seconds. Nevermind the fact that their kickers always let them down when needed the most. For once, the shoe was on the other food.
Chicago caught the key break, made the key play, and delivered the clutch kick as time expired. Seasons can often turn on moments like this. For the Bears to escape with that win, it wouldn’t be a surprise if it serves as the catalyst for the rest of this year.
