Chicago Bears: Khalil Mack non-factor in loss

The Chicago Bears needed a full effort from Khalil Mack to beat a team as strong as the Patriots. They did not get that

We all knew that Khalil Mack was not going to be fully healthy when he took the field against the New England Patriots. However, a banged up Khalil Mack is better than a player at half strength, right. Wrong.

Against a back up right tackle, the Chicago Bears did not even line Mack up on his usual side in a mismatch. That shows you that they have no faith in his ability to get off of the line of scrimmage with any speed or momentum.

In fact, Mack barely got off of the line of scrimmage at all. In our assessment of Leonard Floyd this season, it was noted that his job on this front is less about getting upfield and more about containing, chipping and moving out in space.

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With Mack on Floyd’s side, he was taking on Floyd’s responsibilities. With that you saw him chip, you saw him contain, we saw him a lot out in coverage. We did not see him getting upfield.

While this is a let down in itself, it should be a bigger indictment of Leonard Floyd and Aaron Lynch. Their teammate was down and needed a boost. Just being on the field and taking on that role shows his competitiveness.

Floyd and Lynch were given the easier matchup, the back up right tackle and did not make an impact. To be fair, the Patriots came in knowing they would be a man down on the line. They threw the ball fast and used screens and quick passing to avoid the pass rush.

However, when it was needed, it did not come. Especially from Floyd and Lynch. Heck, Bilal Nichols was the best pass rusher, and Roquan Smith was credited with the only sack.

Khalil Mack will get healthier. However, it was not comforting to see Floyd and Lynch fail to capitalize on the matchup and step up for the injured teammate.

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