Chicago Bears will not make the playoffs if one of these four players opts out in 2020

Khalil Mack, OLB

Could you imagine if the Chicago Bears lost Khalil Mack for the season? That would be absolutely disastrous for the defense. Mack saw less than double-digit sacks for the first time in his career since his rookie season in 2014. This was not because he played poorly though.

Mack generated 45 pressures in 2019. This was only two pressures less than he generated in 2018, granted he played two more games last year. A major difference between the two seasons though was how often he was double and yes, even triple-teamed. How often do you see a player see that type of attention?

For anyone who believes that Mack is not one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, I dare you to say that to his face. To not include him in any top pass rush conversation is downright criminal. I am speaking to you Pro Football Focus (PFF).

On top of it all, Mack still forced five fumbles. Only one less than 2019 and still tied for the second-most of his career. Furthermore, Mack did not let up any passing touchdowns and only an 86.5 quarterback rating. This was an improvement over his 2018 numbers when he was targeted eight times and allowed a touchdown. Quarterbacks averaged a 114.6 quarterback rating while throwing in his direction that season.

The addition of Robert Quinn should help free up Mack in 2020. However, Quinn is not as consistent as Mack. Although I am boldly predicting Quinn finish with more sacks than Mack in 2020, but should Mack go down, Quinn’s numbers will drastically plummet. I do not believe the same could be said if Quinn went down with an injury or opted out. Let us hope Mack plays in 2020 and does not choose to sit out.