Bears vs. Eagles: It’s time for a big Khalil Mack game
By Ryan Heckman
For the Chicago Bears to save their season, it might be time for a one man show.
There is only one man who can completely change the face of this game, and his name is Khalil Mack. If the season is to be turned around with a win against the Philadelphia Eagles, these 2019 Chicago Bears need to see the game of the year by no. 52.
It’s not that Mack has to wreck this game because the Eagles are that good — they’re not.
The thought behind seeing Mack take over this game is simple: It puts the Bears defense back on the league’s radar. If he has a signature game and the Bears get a win, not only does it catch the attention of the rest of the league, but the team itself should see a renewed sense of confidence — and right now, confidence is something we need to see from these guys.
In the last three games, Mack has only registered a single sack. In the same span, he has failed to force a fumble. This bit of a drought comes after he started the season with 4.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in four games.
It seems funny to expect these things week-in and week-out, but with a generational talent like Mack, it’s not too tall of a task. Truthfully, the only thing that should be getting in his way on a weekly basis is being held — and it happens much more often than the average football fan might think. Go back and watch the All-22 of Week 1 versus the Packers if you need proof.
The offense may turn it around, and it may not. The fact is, if Mack breaks this game open, the offense won’t need to be spectacular in order to win. One or two gigantic plays, like a turnover forced in Philly’s own territory or a defensive touchdown, could change the course of this one in a hurry.
It would be nice to see Mitchell Trubisky and company take a step forward, along with the play calling from Matt Nagy. Trust me, neither party has been without blame thus far. But, just in case the offense sputters again, it would be a pleasant sighting to watch Mack tear this game to pieces by himself.
Next. How Bears fans should feel about Trubisky. dark
The Bears are one of six other NFC teams who possess either three or four losses, and are in a division where both the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers have won four straight. To say this is a must-win game is an understatement. I’ll put it this way: If the Bears lose, they can kiss this season goodbye.