The Chicago Bears shook the NFL world in 2018 when they decided to trade for Khalil Mack. Since arriving in the NFL in 2014, Mack has been one of the most unstoppable forces on defense off of the edge.
Last year, in his first season with the franchise, the former Oakland Raiders pass rusher totaled 12.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 18 hits on the quarterback, and six forced fumbles. Above all, the Bears defense became the No. 1 ranked team in most defensive categories.
After a remarkable 2018 season in Chicago, Mack has carried his momentum into this season. So what grade should Mack receive through the first six weeks of the season?
Mack's 2019 Grade So Far: B+
Through the first six games of the season, Mack has accumulated 4.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, five hits on the quarterback, and four forced fumbles. By looking at the numbers, it appears that the Bears' premier edge rusher has seen his production slightly drop off.
Contrary to belief, Mack has still been a formidable piece on the defense and has performed well. What people don't see in the box score is that Mack is constantly receiving the attention of whatever offense he goes up against.
Furthermore, Mack has been double and even triple-teamed for the majority of his snaps on the field. Even then, the Buffalo product has still managed to make his presence felt against opposing offenses.
The scary part is, Mack is getting a B+ grade because he is definitely capable of playing better moving forward. The most impressive aspect of the freakish edge rusher's season so far is that he's tied for the league-high for forced fumbles with Whitney Mercilus.
For the people who are concerned with Mack's sack total should know that he had a similar start to last season. In his first six games with the team in 2018, Mack had five sacks, three tackles for loss, four hits on the quarterback, and four forced fumbles.
With that in mind, opposing teams should be fearful that Mack is going to take his game up a notch as the season progresses. The next team who gets their shot at slowing him down is the New Orleans Saints.
The Saints have allowed just 11 sacks (ninth in the NFL) and will be prepared to keep Mack under wraps. This is a week where Mack could improve his grade on the season against a talented offensive line at Soldier Field.
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