The Chicago Bears defense had its worst game of the season in Week 12’s Sunday night game against the Packers. Not only did they surrender 34 points (the Packers’ defense scored a touchdown on a fumble return), but they played without any intensity or heart.
Aaron Rodgers owned Chicago’s secondary. He completed 21-of-29 passes for 211 yards and four touchdowns on a night that he could’ve gone for much more yardage if the Packers were at any point threatened by a Bears comeback.
They weren’t.
At least the Bears have Kahlil Mack, right?
Mack was — once again — Chicago’s best defender in Week 12, per Pro Football Focus. He finished the game with a 74.3 grade and was one of only two Bears defenders (who played a majority of the snaps) to exceed the 70.0 mark (Brett Urban was the other at 70.4).
Despite his above-average grade, it felt like Mack failed to make an impact on the game. He registered only two pressures, no sacks, and was in on just three tackles. Sure, he was victimized by uncalled holding penalties again, but at some point, that excuse can’t always be his out. The Bears needed their best player to step up when Rodgers got hot. He didn’t get the job done, even though his grade suggests his performance was solid.
The Bears traded a bounty of picks to the Raiders for Mack in 2018 for moments like Sunday night. A player of Mack’s caliber is supposed to be a game-changer, or at the very least, a guy who’s capable of stopping the bleeding when the defense needs a big play. Instead, the Bears bled out in front of a national audience against their most hated rival.
Sunday night’s loss to the Packers was brutal. Even for Mack.