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Khalil Mack was the talk of the NFL offseason, especially when it came to trade rumors. All offseason long, Mack's name was mentioned in trade rumors as the Oakland Raiders knew they would be unable to keep their star pass rusher. When everything was said and done, the Raiders made the move to trade Mack to the Chicago Bears in a trade package that brought back two first-round draft picks.
Heading to Chicago gave Mack a fresh start after a rough ending to his time with the Raiders. He also opened up about how playing in Chicago brings more pressure onto his shoulders than playing in Oakland did. Mark Grote, a Bears' sideline reporter, shared Mack's comments on the subject.
Bears OLB Khalil Mack admits it's a different animal playing in Chicago in terms of the fan base and his celebrity. An "aggressive" fan base "in a good way". Says he feels and appreciates the "importance" of the Bears to the area.
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) October 10, 2018
To say that the trade for Mack has paid off for the Bears would be an understatement. He has completely changed the culture in Chicago and is widely considered to be the most lethal pass rusher in the game.
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Throughout his first four games in a Bears' uniform, Mack has racked up 17 tackles to go along with five sacks, four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, an interception, a defensive touchdown, and two defended passes.
Khalil Mack may be playing with more pressure, but he is rising to the occasion. Chicago is currently 3-1 on the season and is in sole possession of first place in the NFC North division. Without Mack, the Bears likely would not have the kind of playmaking defense that they have and may not have three wins.
Chicago is playing with a lot of confidence and Mack is playing with a lot of swagger. The media and other teams in the NFC may not be giving them a ton of respect just yet, but the Bears plan to earn it.
