The Los Angeles Chargers recently acquired Pro Bowl edge rusher Khalil Mack, from the Chicago Bears.
Bears are trying to finalize a Khalil Mack trade to the Chargers, per @AdamSchefter pic.twitter.com/5UyBO6lPN6
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 10, 2022
The trade is seen as one that helps the Chargers’ chances for 2022.
Mack ended his time with Chicago on a bad note, missing most of the season due to an injury.
#Bears LB Khalil Mack will have foot surgery that will end his 2021 season. #NFL #DaBears pic.twitter.com/dP8oC5f5W0
— NFL Wire (@wooak5) November 19, 2021
The trade to Los Angeles gives Mack new life with a new team.
Mack will be playing with Joey Bosa, one of the other elite defensive players on the Chargers roster.
While Mack has gotten all the attention from offensive linemen in games, Bosa is the one that gets all the attention in LA.
Mack is an excellent defensive player who has helped teammates get to the quarterback by taking all the attention.
With his arrival in LA, Mack will be working with Bosa as the two powerhouses look to dominate opponents in 2022.
Mack Gets to be the Robin to Bosa’s Batman
Mack was the Batman in Chicago on a stacked defense in 2018.
For 2022, Mack gets to play the role of Robin next to Bosa, who has been the defense’s Batman for six years.
Bosa is a powerhouse on defense, recording 58 sacks, 213 solo tackles, and 129 QB hits in 79 games.
With a Bosa/Mack duo, offensive lines will have to make a hard choice of who to double team.
If teams focus too much on Mack and Bosa, they could leave the door open for other Chargers defenders to sack the quarterback.
Can Mack Stay Healthy?
Mack has shown that he is a force on the field.
However, Mack is coming off season-ending foot surgery.
So most importantly, will Mack be healthy enough for 2022, and will he be slowed down from that injury?
Mack has a past of playing through injuries.
Khalil Mack played through injury most of 2020 and missed most of 2021. He has 15 total sacks in that time. Teams weren’t lining up for his services. https://t.co/iioi4WOzDN
— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) March 10, 2022
So it’s safe to say he won’t be slowed down.
However, people will look to see if Mack will re-injure his foot in 2022.
Also, staying healthy has been an issue for Bosa, as he has missed multiple games due to injuries.
AFC West Quarterbacks Have More to Worry About Now
Quarterbacks like Russell Wilson, Patrick Mahomes, and Derek Carr now how more to worry about.
Facing Mack once a season is already bad, but those quarterbacks will see him twice a season.
Add Bosa to the mix, and you have a nightmare duo coming after you.
Carr and the Raiders might have the best chances against Mack due to Mack’s past with the Raiders.
Mahomes and Wilson are different, as they have minimal experience against Mack.
Chargers’ Chances of Making the Playoffs Has Increased
Mack is a huge part of the Chargers’ chances of making the playoffs going up.
He brings energy and toughness to the Chargers’ defense.
It will all hinge on how healthy Mack and Bosa stay for the 2022 season.
Their health is critical for the Chargers’ defense when the 2022 season starts.
Both Mack and Bosa can give the Chargers offense the cushion they need to win games.
This makes Mack is the most significant piece in the Chargers being contenders in 2022.
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