The trade that sent Khalil Mack to Chicago is already going down an all-timer. It changed the course of the 2018 season and could ultimately alter how things look moving forward.
Mack has lived up to the lofty expectations that came with being traded for two future first-round picks and the largest contract ever handed out to a defensive player. And that’s probably putting it lightly. Mack has been friggin’ awesome and is probably going to finish among the top-3 in NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting and could even get some down-ballot league MVP consideration.
So let’s take some time to appreciate a series of videos shared by Fran Duffy, a self-described All-22 junkie who dives into the film to show just how dang good Mack has been. Fasten your seat-belts, folks. We’re going on a ride.
Shot 1 – Time to look hard at this #DaBears defense, and it all starts with Khalil Mack. He does it all for this defense as a pass rusher (who can win in a multitude of ways), run defender and in pass coverage. Here's what makes him so dangerous getting after the QB… pic.twitter.com/l8bCcO9dmm
— Fran Duffy (@fduffy3) January 3, 2019
Shot 2 – Offenses work to try and take Mack away, sliding protection his direction. Not only does Mack beat slides on his own, but it creates 1-on-1 opportunities on the 'man side' of protections, and #DaBears have guys who can win 1-on-1 pic.twitter.com/HDmiJuWmsV
— Fran Duffy (@fduffy3) January 3, 2019
Holy smokes! These videos are legitimately drool-worthy. Mack lines up on both sides of the line and impacts the game on multiple levels. He is a game-changer against the pass and run, wins with leverage inside and outside, dominates using power and finesse, is successful with his hands and feet. Mack is so good, guys who aren’t responsible for blocking him are aware of his presence, which sometimes leads them to lose one-on-one battles on their side of the fields. It’s absolutely nuts that one guy can have this type of impact on a game.
Almost makes you wonder if two first-round picks was too light of a price to pay.
Thanks again, Coach Gruden.