Chicago Bears: 3 Defensive players who could guarantee the playoffs

Chicago Bears (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
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Chicago Bears, Khalil Mack
Chicago Bears (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears absolutely need Khalil Mack to return to his 2018 form

We all know that Khalil Mack is arguably the best EDGE rusher in the game. Unfortunately, he struggled mightily last season. Struggling for him is not like most rushers though. He still finished with 8.5 sacks and 45 quarterback pressures. For comparison sake, Mack had 47 quarterback pressures in 2018.

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The difference though was that Mack had 12.5 sacks in 2018 along with six forced fumbles and an interception for a touchdown. Crazy how well Mack did in 2019 though as he was literally triple-teamed on many plays. With the addition of Robert Quinn, Mack should not have that problem this season.

In fact, Quinn himself was almost on this trio list of players who must succeed in 2020 for the Bears to make the playoffs. The thing is though, Quinn is filling a hole by an EDGE rusher who was unable to actually sack the quarterback in Leonard Floyd. Quinn’s arrival should free up plenty of one-on-one blocking schemes for Mack to take advantage of.

For the Bears to succeed, Mack has to get back to getting to the quarterback. 2019 was only one of two seasons he has yet to reach double-digit sacks. The first was his rookie year. I am predicting that Mack reaches 15 sacks this season.

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