Chicago Bears: 5 players who need to bounce back in 2021
By Ryan Heckman
Chicago Bears who need bounce back seasons in 2021: Khalil Mack
I think it’s safe to say that Khalil Mack was effective in 2020, but not dominant. He didn’t put on the type of show everyone expected him to. In fact, over the past two seasons, Mack has not posted double-digit sacks after going four straight years with such numbers.
9.0 sacks in 2020 and 8.5 in 2019 is not good enough for anyone’s standards when it comes to a player of Mack’s caliber. I’m more than certain Mack is ready to put on a show in 2021. He’s not deaf to what people say about him. He understands the expectations are at a premium level for his play, and he hasn’t quite lived up to them.
We can talk about opposing linemen holding Mack all day long, and that’s a fair point to bring up. It really is. Mack is held multiple times each and every game, and that’s not his fault. However, it’s time to throw away the excuses. Mack is big enough, strong enough, fast enough and has some of the league’s best technique. He’s more than capable of a dominant season in 2021, and that’s exactly what we expect.
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If Mack is back to a dominant player in 2021, this defense will go as he goes. This team will go as he goes. He has the power to wreck games by himself and alter the outcome. Now that the Bears could have an offense that’s up to snuff, it’s time for Mack to take advantage and put his guys in the best position to score points. It’s time for a havoc-wreaking 2021 season.