Following a disappointing 2019 season, there aren’t many that believe that the Chicago Bears will be a force to be reckoned with in 2020. But if there’s reason for hope for Chicago, it’s their top-five defense that returns key cornerstone players, including one of the game’s best pass rushers.
Pro Football Focus ranked outside linebacker Khalil Mack as the 18th best player entering 2020, based on their grades for the Bears linebacker last season. Typically Mack is a staple in the top 10, but his statistical drop-off resulted in a lower ranking.
Once a consistent member in the top 10, Khalil Mack endured a little bit of a down season in 2019. The fact that a down-year for him still sees him post 70 total pressures and earn an overall PFF grade of 86.2 speaks to just how dominant a force he is. Mack has now topped 70 pressures every season since his rookie year (54), and he’s a dominant run defender as well as a pass-rusher. If he bounces back in 2020 to the player he was before this past season, he will be right back in the top 10.
Following a magical 2018 season, the Bears defense suffered expected regression. Still, they were one of the best defenses in the NFL. Overall, the Bears pass rush declined, which was in part to defensive tackle Akiem Hicks landing on injured reserve following Week 5.
The Bears strengthened their pass rush with the addition of Robert Quinn, who replaces Leonard Floyd as Mack’s partner-in-crime off the edge. Quinn had 11.5 sacks with the Dallas Cowboys last season, and that was without Mack opposite him.
Chicago is expecting big things from their pass-rush duo of Mack and Quinn. While Quinn should benefit from Mack being double or triple teamed, Quinn’s potential success should open up Mack, as well.
