If it seems like Khalil Mack is having a down year for the Chicago Bears, he is not. Mack has not been drawing his normal headlines but he is still playing like a top-two defensive player in the league.
Mack currently has 7.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and 41 tackles on the season. He is the leader of the Bears' defense that was supposed to be one of the best in the league. They have taken a step back from last season but still pose a huge threat. If there is one team Mack likes facing, it is the Green Bay Packers.
The Bears and Packers will meet in Week 15. Mack will look to continue his dominance against his divisional rival. Who can forget the performance Mack put on during his first game in a Bears' uniform? He collected a sack, a forced fumble, and recovery, and an interception returned for a touchdown against the Packers. This came in a losing effort but the Bears' fortune changed later in the season. Mack led the Bears to victory with 2.5 sacks in Week 15 of 2018.
Mack vs. Green Bay
The Bears are hanging on by a thread in the NFC playoff picture. They are currently two games back of the Minnesota Vikings for the second Wild-Card spot in the conference. They will have to win out to have any chance and it begins with the Packers.
Green Bay is coming off an unimpressive 20-15 win at home against the Washington Redskins. The Packers have allowed 32 sacks this season. Against the Redskins, Green Bay allowed four sacks and defenders were in the backfield all afternoon. The Packers' offensive line has struggled over the last few weeks. This means Mack should have some opportunities to come off the edge and rush the passer.
There are few players on the defensive line that can wreck a game. Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams is the one that comes to mind but Mack is right behind him. He has had great success against the Packers and this is another game where he will have to make his presence felt. Mack pressuring the quarterback means that the secondary does not have to cover for as long and can capitalize on mistakes.
At the end of the day, if No. 52 has a good game, the Bears will be successful. Chicago knows the importance of this game and will need a stellar effort from its defense to get the job done.
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