The last thing that opposing quarterbacks want to see is an angry, more motivated Khalil Mack. But that’s exactly what they’re going to get this season as Mack has something to prove in 2020.
Mack has already made it clear that he wasn’t happy with his performance last season, and he’s approached this offseason with plenty to prove. Which is good for the Bears, but not-so-good for Chicago’s opponents.
“Motivation is not an issue with Khalil; never has been,” Bears outside linebackers coach Ted Monachino said, via the Chicago Sun-Times. “But what I’ll tell you is that he has approached this offseason with something to prove — and that’s something that I think we all can be encouraged by.
“I think that that’s something that’s exciting, when a player of his caliber approaches his work the way he has approached it.”
This offseason has been different from others amid the coronavirus pandemic, which has restricted on-field offseason programs at Halas Hall. Still, Mack has continued to prepare for when the Bears next take the field at training camp.
“He’s training like I have never seen anybody train before,” Monachino said .
The 2019 season was a disappointment all around for the Bears, who finished 8-8 after many had them pegged for a return to the postseason before the season started. Even their star player struggled. In 2019, Mack had a career-low 47 tackles and his 8.5 sacks and 14 quarterback hits were his lowest since his rookie season.
When it comes to Mack’s impact on the field, the box score doesn’t tell the whole story. But, ultimately, it’s Mack’s job to get after the quarterback. And he didn’t do that as often as he’s done in the past.
“I just think that this is a special guy that has something to prove and has approached the last several months with a chip on his shoulder,” Monachino said. “And I think that’s good for everybody.”
Mack will certainly be helped by the return of defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, who’s an invaluable part of Chicago’s pass rush, as well as the free-agent acquisition of edge rusher Robert Quinn, who is coming off a 11.5 sack season with the Dallas Cowboys last season.
And following a disappointing season, you know Mack is going to come out angry and determined to wreak havoc on the opposition.
