Chicago Bears linebacker Khalil Mack sure didn't hold back against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field on Thursday night. He showed why he is a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

In one play early in the third quarter, with the Bears up by one, 14-13, Mack ragdolled rookie offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs and sacked Buccaneers star quarterback Tom Brady. The defensive gem came after the Bears just gave up their longest run of the season.

The 29-year-old Mack, who has 14 tackles prior to the game, is a man on a mission. He admitted to ESPN last August that he wasn't good enough last season. He finished with 45 tackles, 8.5 sacks and five forced fumbles. But he said those are subpar numbers for his caliber.

The Buccaneers have been a solid defensive team this year, giving up only 345.3 yards in their first four assignments, and Mack, who was traded from the Oakland Raiders in 2018, is one of the main cogs.

The five-time Pro Bowler signed a lucrative six-year extension for $90 million last year. That's why he said he's eager to prove his worth. Could it be the return of the Mack?

The Bears completed a stunning last-gasp escape against the Buccaneers, capped off by a 38-year field goal from Cairo Santos to take the 20-19 win. They improved to 4-1 and will aim for back-to-back wins when they visit the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

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