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When discussing the NFL's best edge-rushers, the one name who usually tops the list is Khalil Mack. The Chicago Bears traded for Mack ahead of the 2018 season after the Oakland Raiders made a head-scratching move to get rid of him.
After acquiring the All-Pro outside linebacker, the Bears were able to boast one of the NFL's best pass-rushing units in 2018. As a team, Chicago brought down the quarterback 50 times last season. Comparatively, the Raiders had just 13 sacks as a team after Mack was shipped off to the Bears. Therefore, you can see how much of a difference-maker Mack can be for any team.
Since entering the NFL in 2014, Mack has struck fear in opposing quarterbacks with his combination of speed and strength at 6-foot-3, 260 pounds. The Buffalo product has cemented his name with the likes of Aaron Donald, Von Miller, and J.J. Watt as the best defensive players in the NFL.
This season, Mack is entering his second year with Chicago and is motivated to improve upon his impressive 2018 campaign. Here are three last-minute predictions for the Bears pass-rusher as Week 1 quickly approaches.
3. Mack Will Force His First Safety
Throughout his five-year career, Mack has yet to force a safety on the opposing team. Considering that he basically lives in the backfield, that comes as a bit of a surprise.
This year, the Bears edge-rusher will finally force a safety by tackling the quarterback or someone else in the end zone. With how good Chicago's defense is, there are going to be plenty of times where the opposing offense is pinned deep in their own territory.
Mack is one of the quickest players off the edge in football, and all he needs is a couple of seconds to get his hands on the quarterback. We've seen the former Raiders pass-rusher score two defensive touchdowns in his five-year career.
This time around, the 28-year old will be celebrating on the field as he accounts for two extra points for his team this season.
2. Mack Will Force Six Fumbles
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When Mack finds himself getting to the quarterback, you can see that he loves to strip the football. Last season, Mack made his presence felt with Chicago by forcing six fumbles in his 14 games with the team.
The six forced fumbles in 2018 were a career-high for the Bears' pass-rushing specialist. This season, Mack will repeat his success of stripping the ball with another six forced fumbles in 2019.
As Leonard Floyd continues to get better on the opposite side of Mack, teams will have to pay him slightly more attention. With that dynamic in mind, Mack will have even more chances to force turnovers on the opposing team's quarterback.
Along with help from Floyd, Mack will also be more comfortable in Chicago's defense this season with new defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano. If you're a quarterback facing Mack this season, make sure you're securing the football close to your chest.
1. Mack Will Account For 15 Sacks
Since entering the NFL in 2014, there's no doubt that Mack has been one of the NFL's best edge defenders. In his first five seasons in the NFL, the Florida native has tallied 53 sacks with the Raiders and Bears.
Getting sacks hasn't been an issue for Mack and this year won't be any different. The sixth-year outside linebacker will thrive in the Bears defense in his second season with the team, totaling 15 sacks.
Mack has averaged 12 sacks per season and has only managed to garner 15 sacks in his career. Nevertheless, the menacing pass-rusher is poised to have the best season of his career in 2019.
