Bears outside linebacker Khalil Mack was voted to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl. But that’s not something he wants to talk about.
“Next question,” he told the media Friday.
But is he going to play in the game?
“Next question,” he repeated.
For Mack, it’s hard to get excited about the Pro Bowl when the Bears have been eliminated from playoff contention. That’s how he measures success — not in individual accolades but playing meaningful football in January.
“The only thing you can really count on is getting to the playoffs and that’s my mindset,” Mack said. “You can’t really say it’s successful in that form or fashion. But it is what it is.”
Not only is Mack frustrated with missing the playoffs, he’s also disappointed in his individual performance this season.
“It’s tough,” he said. “I’m a tough critic, especially on myself. It definitely wasn’t what I wanted to put on film all year. But it is what it is.”
Mack has 42 tackles, 7.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits, five forced fumbles, four passes defended. They’re good enough numbers, but not exactly what you’d expect from Mack.
Despite what the box score says, Mack is someone that affects every play. Opposing teams game plan specifically for him, he gets pressure on the quarterback, but this season the sacks haven’t been there.
