When the Chicago Bears report to training camp next week, all eyes will be on star pass rusher Khalil Mack, who will attempt to have his first double-digit sack season since 2018. Considered to be one of the top pass rushers in the NFL, Mack enters his fourth season in Chicago and has been a force with 30 sacks, 144 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, and 45 quarterback hits.
The face of the Bears defense has remained out of the spotlight this offseason but with new defensive coordinator Sean Desai in the fold, the Bears will be running a more aggressive defensive scheme, something that should increase Mack’s production.
Pro Football Focus recently ranked Mack as the sixth best player in the NFL while giving the eighth-year veteran an overall grade of 92.3. Mack was also first in assisted tackles and tied for eighth place in sacks and forced fumbles.
Bears defensive coordinator Sean Desai knows what Mack brings to the table: A player who’s double-teamed on every play and a player that will force offensive coordinator’s to gameplan around Mack. Chicago knows that Mack can play as a stand-up pass rusher or put his hand in the dirt and still have an impact.
“The good thing about our teaching philosophies is that we try and make sure guys know multiple spots,â€Â Desai said via the Bears official Youtube page. “That helps us on gameday with the depth and that’s been a philosophy of mine and our defensive staff since the beginning.â€
Much of the reason Mack’s production has declined over the last two seasons is due to back and knee injuries which Mack has fought through over the last two seasons. With more on-field work this offseason, Mack will be playing at full speed in 2021, with no limitations, making an impact that will be visibly noticeable for non-Bears fans as well.