Chicago Bears: 10 bold predictions following Khalil Mack trade
By Ryan Heckman
Bears have a double-digit sack trio
First off, let’s focus on just a select trio of players. Mack comes to the Bears where, previously, the team had a situation involving outside linebacker Leonard Floyd needing to finally break out. The Bears traded up to get Floyd in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft and some folks called it a reach by Pace.
Two years later, Floyd still hasn’t busted out with a season that Pace and company had envisioned. His rookie year, Floyd ended with 7.0 sacks. Last year, that dipped to just 4.5. Now, injuries have been a concern. But, if Floyd is healthy (outside of the club on his hand), he will have a great shot to end the year with over 10.0 sacks for the first time in his career.
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Let’s talk about Akiem Hicks. So, defenses are going to be busy double-teaming Mack — like that will help. Real quick, let’s not forget that Mack has been double-teamed his entire career and still ends up with a pile of sacks.
Hicks, meanwhile, has been the biggest threat and most consistent guy for the Bears when it comes to pressuring the quarterback. Last year, Hicks finished with 8.5 sacks — real close to double digits. Mack is going to demand tons of attention, opening things up for both Floyd and Hicks.
If Mack does his thing, and both Floyd and Hicks benefit, there is a strong likelihood that the Bears get double-digit sacks out of three players this season.