While the Chicago Bears defense was a top-five unit in 2019, there were a few areas where they regressed following a dominant 2018. Pass rush was one of them, where the Bears managed 32 sacks compared to 50 in 2018.
Khalil Mack was among those that regressed statistically in 2019. He had just 8.5 sacks compared to 12.5 the year prior. There were a number of factors that contributed to Mack’s dip in production, including Akiem Hicks landing on injured reserve following Week 5 and the fact that Leonard Floyd couldn’t take advantage of those one-on-one opportunities certainly hurt.
Bears general manager Ryan Pace upgraded the pass rush this offseason with the addition of former All-Pro Robert Quinn, who had 11.5 sacks with the Dallas Cowboys last season. The addition of Quinn should certainly help Mack, as teams will have to contend with pressure coming from the edge and up the middle with Hicks.
NFL.com’s Gil Brandt believes that Mack is a lock to bounce back in 2020, especially with Quinn lining up opposite him.
2019 stats: 16 games, 8.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 4 passes defensed.
I think Mack will make good on his personal vow to play much better in 2020. He’ll have more familiarity with Chuck Pagano’s scheme in Year 2 under the defensive coordinator, while free-agent addition Robert Quinn will provide an upgrade over Leonard Floyd, who was released this year after failing to live up to his first-round promise. Hopefully, Mack can lead a roster-wide renaissance in what is shaping up to be a make-or-break season for coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace.
Mack’s impact on the Bears in two seasons has been invaluable. He’s been worth the $141 million and two first-round draft picks, and you have to expect that Mack is itching to get back on the field and get back to his dominating self.
If the Bears are going to have any hope of making a return to the postseason, they’re going to need to lean on their defense for support. Mack and Chicago’s pass rush will be instrumental in that effort.
“He’s going to get those @ChicagoBears back to the monsters of the midway.” 💪
Which players will come out stronger in 2020? 👇
📺: @NFLTotalAccess | @SteveMariucci | @LT_21 pic.twitter.com/HNgEPDbZ3u
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) May 21, 2020
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