The Chicago Bears have officially dealt away Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers, reported ESPN. Khalil Mack has been the staple of the defense no matter where’s he has been throughout his career. In Oakland, now Las Vegas, he was the premier defender and leader on that team. He eventually was traded to Chicago where Mack similarly followed suit. He’s a six-time Pro Bowl defensive end.
The Chargers are exchanging a second-round pick and a 2023 sixth-round pick with the Bears in return for 31-year-old Khalil Mack. The Bears general manager Ryan Poles was hired months ago, and his first move was to ship Mack off. It seems to be a gift and a curse, Mack joins forces again with Chargers coach Brandon Staley. Staley and Mack became acquainted in 2018, where Staley coached Mack at the Bears after acquiring him from the Raiders that offseason.
“I learned a great deal from Khalil Mack, more than he learned from me,” Staley expressed. “Coaching someone of his caliber instilled in me a tremendous amount of confidence. That initial season in Chicago was an invaluable experience, and it solidified my belief that I could pursue this path in the future.”
Should Russell Wilson really be the favorite to win the AFC West?
Mack recorded over 10 sacks his first year in Chicago and came in second for the DPOY award. Unfortunately, his past seasons haven’t been as rewarding. Mack has yet to record over double-digits sacks again in Chicago. Mack partnering with his previous coach and phenom in Joey Bosa.
The Chargers ranked 30th in rush defense last year, according to ESPN. One can only believe, Mack will help bring a defensive presence to a struggling front seven. Not to mention, they ranked last throughout the NFL in conversion rate on third down. Meaning, they allowed several teams to mount long extensive drives throughout the game.
Los Angeles Chargers just missed the playoffs by a game last season. While the team seems to be always respectable, they are never quite good enough. They ended last year, 9-8; however, they got off to an early start of 4-1. It seems they struggled towards the middle of the year and began to pick up traction towards the tale end. Just appears it was too little too late, as they lost their final four games.
