September 3, 2018
The Chicago Cubs have the best record in the National League
and are the favorites to make it to the World Series. The Chicago White Sox are
playing really good baseball; the rebuild is starting to take shape. However,
the most exciting thing in Chicago sports is the Bears trade for Khalil Mack
.
This is the most impressive move in Ryan Pace tenure as the
Bears General Manager. Mack is the game
changing force the Bears have been looking for. They have filled their biggest
need on defense. The team that ranked tenth on defense could be one of the five
best. A defense that would have kept the
Bears competitive can now win games.
Teams have to plan specifically on stopping Mack from
wreaking havoc. Most times they are not successful. His specialty is
quarterback sacks, forty over the past four seasons. In recent years opposing
quarterbacks sat back in the pocket with no pressure. Those days are over.
Another plus is Mack will make others better. Pressure on
quarterbacks makes the secondary’s jobs easier. If you double team Mack, Akiem
Hicks or Eddie Goldman can get to the quarterback. If you flush the quarterback
out of the pocket, the linebackers can make the plays. This makes first round
pick Roquan Smith a good choice.
I hate that Bear fans have been told to temper their
expectations. However, you don’t make this move without having the playoffs as
an immediate goal. I still don’t know
what to expect from Mitch Trubisky and the new offense. If it’s working they
may win in the post season. I’m upping my earlier prediction from eight
victories to nine. If the offense is as good as the team says maybe they can go
10-6 which should put them in the playoffs. On the other hand, if they have the
injuries like the last couple of years, all bets are off.
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