3. Have someone in front of Khalil Mack at all times
The Minnesota Vikings cannot let Khalil Mack beat them. Yes, I know it’s easy to say from my laptop. Mack is having an incredible season. He missed two games due to an ankle injury, then came back in Week 10 and picked up where he left off and recorded two sacks.
Mack’s descended upon Chicago and changed the expectations. They went from hoping to show they are on the right track to compete for the playoffs to division leaders. The Bears gambled that they could get away with resting Mack for two weeks and not miss a beat and it paid off. He is healthy once again and ready to help the Bears get over the top, or so the Bears hope.
The Vikings need to slow Mack down. Having someone take him on one-on-one just won’t work. He’s out there throwing 300+ pound linemen around like rag dolls. He is too powerful and has too many moves for one man to block him. The Dolphins and New England Patriots were fortunate that he was slowed down by his ankle injury and was ineffective.
I understand that the defense is still good without Mack, but with him it is almost unstoppable. Mack makes life easier for Hicks. In his last two seasons in Chicago, he started out great but multiple double teams wore him down late in the season. Now with Mack and Nichols helping him out, he’s fresher.
Mack also helps Floyd. Floyd hasn’t been getting into the backfield a lot this season, but much of that is due to his fractured hand. He is now healthy and he’s playing better the last couple of weeks. WIth Mack garnering all the attention he can make plays. However, I’d rather deal with him than a hot Mack.
The problem is the Vikings’ offensive line is a patchwork. Tackle Aviante Collins and center Nick Easton are on injured reserve and out for the season. Tackles Tom Compton and Mike Remmers are battling injuries themselves. Remmers has a back problem and Compton a sprained MCL. There is some doubt whether either of them plays. If they do, they’ll need some help.
The Vikings need to use their tight ends and fullbacks, or just about anyone, to chip Mack to slow him down. They need to have as many players as possible to touch Mack. Hopefully, trying to move his way through all the bodies wears him down. If Minnesota is close late in the game they may be able to make the plays they need to win the game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6013WqANnBA
This will be a tough game for both teams. I think it will be a battle throughout the game. The first offense to come up with some solution to the opposing defense will end up on top.
