Chicago Bears: What we learned from loss to Packers

Mack is the real deal

Pass rusher Khalil Mack was worth every single penny the Bears paid him last weekend. He was worth every pick in that trade with the Oakland Raiders. If you watched the game, you knew that was apparent from the very first snap of the football.

Mack’s first snap featured a simple bull rush into Packers offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga. Mack forcefully moved Bulaga back towards Rodgers with ease, creating pressure in an instant. Obviously, he went on to record a strip sack, fumble recovery and an interception returned for a touchdown.

If anyone is questioning the Bears for giving up what they did to acquire Mack, they need to get their head checked. Snagging a generational player like Mack and surrounding him with a talented front seven proved to be a smart decision by the Bears front office on Sunday night.

Regardless of whether or not the Bears won or lost in Week 1, Mack’s play cemented the fact that this unit has top-5 potential. When everyone is in sync and has had sufficient practice time together — mainly Mack and Smith — this defense could be elite. They showed flashes early and often, and it all stemmed from the pressure Mack created from the get-go.