Windy City Gridiron - Khalil Mack is a Chicago BearA Chicago Bears communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49985/windy-fav.png2018-09-04T11:00:05-05:00http://www.windycitygridiron.com/rss/stream/175731692018-09-04T11:00:05-05:002018-09-04T11:00:05-05:00How big an Impact do they think Khalil Mack has on the Bears?
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<figcaption>From Chicago Bears <a class="ql-link" href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1036644685987627011" target="_blank">Twitter</a></figcaption>
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<p>Week 1 games kick off in just two days, so let’s take a peek around the interwebs to see where they place the Bears in power rankings.</p> <p id="7wfKHL">Before the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> shocked the NFL and traded for one of the best players in the game, most national pundits were predicting the Bears would be fighting to climb out of the NFC North cellar. </p>
<p id="reEjKk">But now, after general manager Ryan Pace went all-in on the 2018 season by shipping a few draft picks to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> for <span>Khalil Mack</span>, people are rethinking the Bears’ prospects. </p>
<p id="lVA0EC">They retooled their offense in the off-season, but the success on that side of the ball still hinges on <span>Mitchell Trubisky</span> progressing. Meanwhile, Mack is a finished product. He’s going to get double digit sacks and multiple pressures each game. He takes defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s unit already solid defense to another level. </p>
<p id="bJnjqS">I think the playoffs are a real possibility for the Bears in 2018, but let’s take a trip around the Week 1 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-power-rankings">NFL Power Rankings</a> to see where others have the Bears ranked.</p>
<p id="2DPE4L">We’ll start with the flagship, <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/9/4/17815828/nfl-power-rankings-2018-week-1-eagles-patriots-vikings-rams">SB Nation</a>, and they have Chicago at 13th!</p>
<blockquote><p id="XHeV0i">The Bears traded for Khalil Mack on Friday, and a defense that had the potential to be among the NFL’s best now looks even better. Between Mack, <span>Danny Trevathan</span>, <span>Kyle Fuller</span>, and <span>Adrian Amos</span>, things are looking good for Chicago’s defense. But can <span>Mitchell Trubisky</span> and the offense match that potential?</p></blockquote>
<p id="bjhJOv">There was a nine place climb from <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000958070/article/nfl-power-rankings-week-1-khalil-mack-trade-boosts-bears">NFL.com</a> as they put the Bears at 15th.</p>
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<p id="otBCOT"><strong>Previous rank: No. 24 </strong></p>
<p id="1W26VI">This is not a simple reaction to the Khalil Mack blockbuster -- it’s merely a simple reaction to the Khalil Mack blockbuster. What a move by general manager Ryan Pace, who swashbuckled his way across the front-office universe like Captain James T. Kirk and dealt a blow to the Klingons, Romulans and Gorn ... er, the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>, <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a> and <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> with the addition of a top-five defensive player. Couple Mack with an already stable defense (much better than the one in Oakland), then further take into account a solid offensive line, a steady RB1 and an ascending franchise quarterback, and it’s clear Chicagoans have themselves a squad.</p>
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<p id="LpIL5R"><a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-power-rankings-happy-healthy-rodgers-helps-packers-begin-season-in-top-spot/">CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco</a> has the Bears up four spots, to 24.</p>
<blockquote><p id="DAZMBi">Like the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a>, I think they are also a year away, even after trading to get Khalil Mack. First-year coach <span>Matt Nagy</span> should jump-start the offense and Mitchell Trubisky.</p></blockquote>
<p id="3xXfXH">Here’s how the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2018/09/04/preseason-nfl-rankings-rams-vikings-jaguars-are-on-the-heels-of-the-eagles-and-patriots/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.61f6fa0c1c72">Washington Post</a> has it.</p>
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<p id="2SkUJW"><strong>17. Chicago Bears (5-11)</strong></p>
<p id="imqLZ4">The stunning trade for pass rusher and former NFL defensive player of the year Khalil Mack makes it conceivable that the Bears could be in the playoff-contending mix. They will try to be this season’s version of the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a>, hoping that their young coach (Matt Nagy) can work wonders with their young quarterback (Mitchell Trubisky). It usually isn’t quite as easy as Sean McVay and <span>Jared Goff</span> made it look last season in L.A., though.</p>
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<p id="v8kR3f">Here’s how <a href="https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-power-rankings-high-can-browns-climb-121305026.html">Yahoo</a> has the Bears.</p>
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<p id="M2BkoM"><strong>20. Chicago Bears (LW: 26)</strong></p>
<p id="OasbmC">Over the course of one crazy Saturday, Khalil Mack became the non-quarterback with the most pressure on him in the NFL. The Bears gave up a ton in a trade. They gave him a contract that not only made him the highest-paid defensive player ever, but it’s a contract that just a week ago seemed unheard of for a non-quarterback. On top of that, he goes to a team in a major market that is dying to win. The Bears have made the playoffs once in 11 seasons and famously haven’t won a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> since the 1985 season. Mack is a great player but the bar for him will be almost impossibly high.</p>
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https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/4/17818388/nfl-week-1-power-rankings-how-big-an-impact-do-they-think-khalil-mack-has-on-the-bearsLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2018-09-03T18:28:01-05:002018-09-03T18:28:01-05:00A banana for a snack pack: Ryan Pace built his Bears with trades
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<figcaption>Chicago Tribune</figcaption>
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<p>The Bears general manager has long maintained how important it is to build through the draft. He’s never emphasized his greater focus: trading. </p> <p id="MpLlIs">In the Adam Sandler classic <em>Billy Madison</em>, the title character man-child has an obsession with snack packs: basic, processed chocolate pudding. Madison gets angry when it’s not <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kX_8N1bhfoI">included in his school lunch</a>, and in one of the most famous ensuing scenes he tries to trade the banana he had packed instead for a snack pack with a child in the cafeteria. He, of course, fails miserably. But not for a lack of effort in trying to make the trade by threatening to bully the kid and being as persistent as possible. </p>
<p id="7NuFKO">If there’s one perfect analogy for Ryan Pace in his tenure as <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> general manager, it’s Madison in that specific sequence. </p>
<p id="RgybyJ">The Bears roster has been completely overhauled since Pace took over as personnel lead in 2015 and he’s done it on the strength of trade after trade (quality to still be determined for some). In that time, he’s continually insisted on trading bananas for snack packs: sometimes actually being the one that holds the snack pack and getting away with a bounty. </p>
<p id="3cAGVU">What Pace has shown is that he’s not afraid to force the issue and use draft capital to either go get players he likes for the Bears, or trade down and accumulate more assets to use in future moves. </p>
<aside id="C5LbLM"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The Khalil Mack trade is better than you think for the Bears","url":"https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/1/17810200/chicago-bears-khalil-mack-trade-better-than-you-think-ryan-pace-mitchell-trubisky-nfl-2018"}]}'></div></aside><p id="I66AUb">Yes, there have been the occasional small trades, general draft selections, and free agency signings to note across the board. But much of the Bears’ core and depth was built on Pace’s willingness to barter and put himself out there anyway, without fear of being second-guessed. Without fear of being hamstrung by other Bears leadership. </p>
<p id="CAv690">“This doesn’t come around that often,” said Pace of <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/1/17809128/khalil-mack-is-a-chicago-bears-nfl-oakland-raiders-jon-gruden-ryan-pace-vic-fangio">having the opportunity to trade for Khalil Mack this past weekend</a>. “When it does come around, I’m proud I work for an organization that’s willing to be aggressive at these times.”</p>
<p id="wQsnem">The trade for Mack over the weekend is the most noteworthy and it’s also just the latest example. Let’s examine the laundry list of 10 incremental deals Pace has made since taking the Bears’ mantle. </p>
<h1 id="4BcytF"><strong>March 2015</strong></h1>
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<strong>Trade 1:</strong> <span>Brandon Marshall</span> and a 2015 seventh-round draft pick to the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> for a fifth-round pick.</h3>
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<cite>Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>A deal out in the open that brought Amos to Chicago. </figcaption>
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<p id="1LKXGo"><strong>End result:</strong> That fifth-round pick (No. 142 overall) would later be used to draft <span>Adrian Amos</span> in the 2015 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>. </p>
<p id="YBwfnM"><strong>Summary: </strong>Pace was roundly criticized for trading a player like Marshall with 31 touchdowns in three seasons as a Bear. Many wondered when the Bears would be able to replicate that offensive production. For the most part since, they’ve still struggled to do so. But he didn’t let the return on Marshall go to waste as it netted Chicago one of the more solid safeties in the NFL in Amos. Amos isn’t in Chicago without the Marshall trade. A nice consolation prize years later. </p>
<h1 id="WPsHiH"><strong>April 2016</strong></h1>
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<strong>Trade 2: </strong>The Bears’ No. 11 overall pick and a 2016 fourth-rounder to the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a> for the No. 9 overall pick. </h3>
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<cite>Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>The first instance where Pace showed he wasn’t afraid to go get his guy in Floyd. </figcaption>
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<p id="7kzudC"><strong>End result: </strong>Chicago would use the selection to move up past the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a> for <span>Leonard Floyd</span>. </p>
<p id="IhWdUS"><strong>Summary: </strong>Everyone thinks of a certain trade up for a quarterback when it comes to Pace, and rightfully so. The first major move up he made for a player he believed to be a franchise player was actually Floyd. And unlike with that quarterback deal, there’s tangible proof the Bears <a href="http://gridironnow.com/how-close-giants-taking-leonard-floyd-nfl-draft/">were in danger of losing Floyd to New York</a> if Pace didn’t pull the trigger. It goes to show you that when you love a guy in the draft process, chances are you can’t sit on your hands if you want him on your roster. </p>
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<strong>Trade 3:</strong> The Bears’ 2016 No. 41 overall pick to the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a> for No. 49 overall, a 2016 fourth-rounder (No. 117), and a 2017 fourth-round pick. </h3>
<p id="ciaehm"><strong>End result: </strong>This deal was more about recouping assets with a draft trade down after getting Floyd, rather than making a direct swipe for a player. About laying the groundwork for a move to be made a little later in the 2016 draft, and one in the 2017 NFL Draft. Don’t forget about that latter fourth-rounder. </p>
<p id="yZov3P"><strong>Summary: </strong>The first case of Pace trading down to get lost assets back with fancy draft finagling. </p>
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<strong>Trade 4: </strong>The Bears’ No. 49 overall pick from Buffalo to the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> for the No. 56 overall pick and the No. 124 overall pick. </h3>
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<cite>Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>A nice haul and trade down to get Whitehair for Pace. </figcaption>
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<p id="3IhGkh"><strong>End result: </strong>Chicago used the No. 56 overall and the No. 124 overall picks they received from Seattle to draft <span>Cody Whitehair</span> and <span>Deon Bush</span>, respectively. </p>
<p id="gf8Mul"><strong>Summary: </strong>The absolute best case scenario when trading down is getting an immediate impact player near the top of your evaluative board anyway, while setting up trade chips for the future. That’s multiplied when you trade down twice. Pace accomplished this by acquiring <span>Whitehair</span>, the Bears’ current starting center, getting Chicago’s swing man safety in Bush, and keeping another future Day 3 selection. A textbook on how to wheel and deal. </p>
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<strong>Trade 5: </strong>The Bears’ No. 117 overall pick (from Buffalo) and the No. 206 overall pick to the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> for the No. 113 overall pick. </h3>
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<cite>Photo by David Banks/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>More depth acquired through smart trading. </figcaption>
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<p id="5Plxva"><strong>End result: </strong>Pace wasn’t done trading up as he saw the chance to leap up and draft <span>Nick Kwiatkoski</span> with Los Angeles’ selection. </p>
<p id="brWsHJ"><strong>Summary: </strong>No one will confuse <span>Kwiatkoski</span> for an elite linebacker. But he is nice piece to have as a fill-in should anything happen to <span>Roquan Smith</span> or Danny Trevathan. You’ll take that depth from a fourth-rounder every time. One of the better backup linebackers in the league isn’t in Chicago without more aggressiveness from Pace.</p>
<h1 id="uzGoDL"><strong>April 2017</strong></h1>
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<strong>Trade 6: </strong>The Bears’ No. 3 overall, No. 67 overall, and No. 111 overall picks, as well as a 2018 third-rounder to the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> for the No. 2 overall pick. </h3>
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<cite>Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>One of more famous draft trades in NFL history for sheer shock value. </figcaption>
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<p id="cMS3KX"><strong>End result:</strong> Pace gets his offensive face of the franchise, <span>Mitchell Trubisky</span>.</p>
<p id="I5YtQJ"><strong>Summary: </strong>Of each of these trades, this is one of the two major deals Pace will be remembered for most. No one expected the Bears to move up for Trubisky, yet there they were getting the former North Carolina star. There isn’t necessarily tangible proof that the Bears were in danger of losing the quarterback had they stayed at No. 3 overall. The fear and underlying sentiment was enough in itself to not risk losing a player Pace was enamored with. Yet again an example of taking matters into your own hands in the lottery known as the draft. </p>
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<strong>Trade 7: </strong>The Bears’ No. 36 overall pick to the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> for the No. 45 overall, No. 119 overall, and No. 197 overall picks, as well as a 2018 fourth-rounder. </h3>
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<cite>Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Once again, it was time to get draft capital back in the form of a big tight end.</figcaption>
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<p id="PNSptC"><strong>End result: </strong>Giving up the immense haul that the Bears did for Trubisky meant Pace had to once more trade down and try and get some selections back for a still-rebuilding team. One of the selections would be used on <span>Adam Shaheen</span>, who figures to be a major part of Chicago’s 2018 offense once he returns from injured reserve in two months. </p>
<p id="n1kdWP"><strong>Summary: </strong>If you’re going to be bold and go for broke by moving up for a player you like, you have to be prepared to lose the primary talent you might prefer at your second-round slot. For the second time in as many years, Pace showed he was willing to move down his board and get a foundational piece he liked such as Shaheen after having the audacity to draft Trubisky. Someone will always want to make a deal in the NFL. You just have to make yourself available. </p>
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<strong>Trade 8: </strong>The Bears’ No. 117 overall pick (from the Bills in 2016) and the No. 197 overall pick to the Rams for the No. 112 overall pick. </h3>
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<cite>Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>Jackson isn’t in Chicago without a trade the year before. </figcaption>
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<p id="CB8fwe"><strong>End result:</strong> If not for a broken leg suffered in October 2016, <span>Eddie Jackson</span> isn’t sitting in the fourth round of the 2017 draft painstakingly waiting to get selected. The Bears capitalized on this lucky break and quickly used their prior draft asset from trading down the year before to get their free safety of the future. </p>
<p id="7kyLWx"><strong>Summary: </strong>You might think of many fourth-round and fifth-round picks thrown into deals as sweeteners and as essentially meaningless. You might be right. Sometimes they’re valuable trade chips for potential moves down the line, though. When the Bears traded down in 2016, they planted the seed for what would eventually become the ballhawk in Jackson: one of their brightest young players. That is both fortune and planning ahead by Pace should the cards fall right. Always be prepared for any situation. </p>
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<strong>Trade 9: </strong>The Bears’ No. 105 overall pick and a 2019 second-round pick to the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> for the No. 51 overall pick. </h3>
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<cite>Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>To get a playmaker, you have to go and get him like he goes and gets the football. </figcaption>
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<p id="uZt0AS"><strong>End result: </strong>After losing <span>Cameron Meredith</span>, the Bears still needed another weapon for Trubisky offensively. That came in the form of <span>Anthony Miller</span>, a player Pace and company were enthralled by the potential he presents. </p>
<p id="jcm19B"><strong>Summary: </strong>The <a href="https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/a-letter-to-nfl-gms-anthony-miller">self-proclaimed best receiver</a> in the 2018 NFL Draft in Miller is one of the most pro-ready receivers to jump into the NFL in years. That’s the kind of player worth trading up for if it helps complete your offense. Pace noted Sunday how he actually sees Miller as his second-round pick in 2019 with this specific trade in mind. A compelling argument for efficient use of draft capital on polished players. </p>
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<strong>Trade 10: </strong>The Bears’ 2019 and 2020 first-round picks, a 2020 third-round pick, and a 2019 sixth-round pick for former Raider <span>Khalil Mack, </span>and a 2020 second-round pick.</h3>
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<cite>Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images</cite>
<figcaption>The feather in Pace’s cap, Mack. </figcaption>
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<p id="GR9n1f"><strong>End result:</strong> The Bears acquired arguably the NFL’s most complete edge defender in Mack, <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/3/17815142/chicago-bears-khalil-mack-complete-bears-defense-akiem-hicks-leonard-floyd-big-game-hunting-nfl-2018">completing their rising defense</a>. The definition of a win-now move. </p>
<p id="7JspiN"><strong>Summary: </strong>Of every trade Pace has made for the Bears, going out and snatching Mack away was his coup de grâce. No one knows what the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> will end up with their high picks from Chicago, but it’s very likely going to be no one close to the same level of play as Mack. Teams spend a lot of time and money just to have a chance to draft players like Mack year in and year out, failing again and again. Any time an organization trades a generational player like Mack, they’re losing. Any time an organization acquires a generational player like Mack, they’re winning. </p>
<p id="CJZJf4">Getting Mack and finishing his Bears defense is the most assertive Pace has been yet. And it’s an overall representation of the lengthy portfolio of a man not afraid to make the best effort for improvement. If that means risking assets down the line, so be it. If that means taking initial criticism, so be it. Pace has the Bears primed to go because he keeps asking for a snack pack with a banana. </p>
<p id="t5Sylm"><em>Robert is an editor, writer, and producer for Windy City Gridiron, The Rock River Times, The Athletic Chicago, and a host of other fine publications. You can follow him on Twitter @RobertZeglinski and reach him by email at robertpoduski@gmail.com.</em></p>
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https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/3/17815680/chicago-bears-ryan-pace-trades-khalil-mack-mitchell-trubisky-snack-pack-banana-nfl-2018Robert Zeglinski2018-09-02T14:38:47-05:002018-09-02T14:38:47-05:00Recap: The Bears officially introduce Khalil Mack
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<figcaption>Chicago Bears</figcaption>
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<p>The newest Monster of the Midway was welcomed to a beaming Halas Hall Sunday afternoon. </p> <p id="48RFGd"><span>Khalil Mack</span> is a Chicago Bear. You know that. Now read it again. </p>
<p id="NceVcp"><em>Khalil Mack</em><em> is a Chicago Bear.</em></p>
<p id="iZW7FM">Still not registering?</p>
<p id="pbHzc9"><em>Khalil Mack</em><em> is a Chicago Bear.</em></p>
<p id="7iQYO7">Has the reality set in yet? If not, you better prepare yourself. The fun is about to begin.</p>
<p id="iCGx6d">Mack is being officially welcomed to Chicago by the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> today at Halas Hall. A blockbuster trade needs a blockbuster welcome, after all. A tone-setter and generational superstar deserves the best the Bears have to offer. </p>
<p id="6Mq57e">Here at Windy City Gridiron, we’ll have full coverage of the press conference for the Bears’ new face of their defense. You can’t let up in moments like these. </p>
<p id="M49s9L">Trading for Mack not only sent shockwaves around the NFL, but it made the Bears relevant again. It put them back on the map. </p>
<aside id="SYZnxF"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"In trading for Khalil Mack, the Bears are going big or going home","url":"https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/1/17808942/chicago-bears-khalil-mack-trade-oakland-raiders-going-big-going-home-bold-ryan-pace-nfl-2018"}]}'></div></aside><p id="cH6DsY"><em>Khalil Mack</em><em> is a Chicago Bear.</em></p>
<p id="0JWnT3">One more time. </p>
<p id="lTNMvj"><em>Khalil Mack</em><em> is a Chicago Bear.</em></p>
<p id="1KIh4i">Here’s a link to the Bears’ stream of their <a href="https://www.chicagobears.com/">introduction of Mack on their website</a>. </p>
<p id="r00ayD">And here’s the Twitter link of the presser. </p>
<div id="yw6a84">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/52Mack_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@52Mack_</a>’s introductory press conference is underway. <a href="https://t.co/BsF9dGvpCC">https://t.co/BsF9dGvpCC</a></p>— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1036314803155816449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="lqOTs8">In one of the more momentous days in Bears franchise history, a day after they pulled off a coup for Mack, you could sense a palpable energy at 1920 Football Drive. Most importantly, you could sense Mack - fresh off his contract extension with Chicago - itching to get back to work amidst all the excitement. </p>
<p id="uhuo9G">After missing the entire preseason due to his holdout with the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a>, you’d forgive Mack if he wants to get past the formalities and start learning the Bears defense as soon as possible. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Khalil Mack wants to get back to business now. <br>"It's been a real whirlwind. But I'm looking forward to it, man. It's been a long time since I played football."</p>— Robert Żeglinski (@RobertZeglinski) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertZeglinski/status/1036315708995629056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"I've been doing everything. I can't even begin to tell you. I've been getting ready for this moment," Mack is ready for Chicago.</p>— Robert Żeglinski (@RobertZeglinski) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertZeglinski/status/1036316217248808960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="j1FB3C">Why is Mack enticed by what the Bears have to offer, beyond anything on the field? They showed an interest in paying him what he’s worth. A novel concept that isn’t difficult to understand. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">New Bears LB Khalil Mack asked what was attractive about Chicago: "To be wanted, that's all it takes."</p>— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/1036315932698832897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="yfjyFL">In missing the preseason, is the veteran Mack concerned about not being effective enough against the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> next Sunday night? Not in the least, so stop wringing your hands. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Will Khalil Mack be ready for Green Bay: "I feel I'll be ready."</p>— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) <a href="https://twitter.com/patrickfinley/status/1036314993137016832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="JqxF5z">Joining the Bears is even easier for Mack when they not only have a coach to be excited about in <span>Matt Nagy</span>, but a roster ready to win now. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Khalil Mack: “Obviously it’s an exciting time to be a Chicago Bear. A lot of young talent."</p>— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) <a href="https://twitter.com/kfishbain/status/1036315756185694210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="fOSsGz">That defensive roster for Chicago is obviously what Mack notices first. A group of “dogs” as he said, and a far cry from the shell of the Raiders’ defense. It’ll be nice to play with <span>Akiem Hicks</span> and <span>Leonard Floyd</span>. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who are the "dogs" on the Bears defense according to Khalil Mack?<br>"Akiem (Hicks), I just talked to him. Leonard, too. Kyle Fuller's a baller out there. Trevathan. Those are some of the dogs."</p>— Robert Żeglinski (@RobertZeglinski) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertZeglinski/status/1036317107397554176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="EgLmjn">Is there any pressure on being the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player? Yes, and Mack is prepared to live up to the hype. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Is there any pressure on being the highest-paid defensive player?<br>"Absolutely, I'd be lying if I said no," Mack says. <br>"I want to be the best defensive player, though. I believe I am the best defensive player."</p>— Robert Żeglinski (@RobertZeglinski) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertZeglinski/status/1036316618819874816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="T7i7cw">A thought from Mack that his father adamantly agreed with. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Khalil Mack: "I've always thought of myself as the best defensive player in the league. I want to play like the best defensive player in the league."<br><br>Khalil Mack's dad, from the side of the room: "Yes. Yes."</p>— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJStankevitz/status/1036316672611823616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="yIIxZY">That pride is something Mack couldn’t take too far, however. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Khalil Mack asked what he said when Aaron Donald signed his then-record contract extension. <br><br>"Can't say it in front of my parents."</p>— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJStankevitz/status/1036317189962387456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="hjwmYV">It’s nice to mold these two together after competing against one another, isn’t it?</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Khalil Mack on his impression of Matt Nagy's offense from facing it in the AFC West the last few years: "He made it hard for you because if you messed up, they were going to gut you."</p>— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJStankevitz/status/1036316996336590848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="Obyd5R">All of this is too much for Mack. It’s time for football to speak first. <span>Aaron Rodgers</span> and the Packers await. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"I almost don't want to say it. I just want to let my game speak for itself," Mack staying humble about saying what he brings to the table. <br>"I'm a hard worker though, and everything on the field is going to take care of itself."</p>— Robert Żeglinski (@RobertZeglinski) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertZeglinski/status/1036317924397666305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"He's the best in the game. But I'm a competitor, I want to go against the best. I'm looking forward to it," Mack looking forward to his matchup against Aaron Rodgers next Sunday night.</p>— Robert Żeglinski (@RobertZeglinski) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertZeglinski/status/1036318824663080961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="IfAlgg">After Mack left the podium, Bears general manager Ryan Pace and Nagy came to speak about the acquisition of the superstar.</p>
<p id="DeMLrs">In an interesting tidbit, the seeds of a Mack trade went back as far as before training camp began for the Bears in mid-July. You have to explore every option if you’re Pace.</p>
<div id="IJF8tA">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"We started to think this is a possibility maybe even a little before training camp," Ryan Pace noting a Mack trade was rooted in July. <br>"As time went on, it became even more realistic."</p>— Robert Żeglinski (@RobertZeglinski) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertZeglinski/status/1036320558009524226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="cwVvN3">There is such a thing as positional value, and Pace puts a lot of emphasis on it. Mack plays football’s second-most important position, and the aggressive Bears had to acquire him.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"This is a premier player at a premier position, and they don't come around often," Ryan Pace very clearly understands the positional value of a guy like Mack.<br>"I'm just very proud to be part of an organization willing to be this aggressive."</p>— Robert Żeglinski (@RobertZeglinski) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertZeglinski/status/1036320851572994050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ryan Pace: "It’s very easy in our league to play it safe and play it cautious. Not that we’re going to be reckless, but we’re going to be aggressive."</p>— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJStankevitz/status/1036322587075391493?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="9jibNR">Pace isn’t concerned about the lack of draft capital for the Bears in the near future. The best way of looking at it is that they just acquired a future Hall of Famer as their first-rounder in 2019. Everything will take care of itself. </p>
<div id="ABnVB4">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ryan Pace: "When we look at this next draft, our first-round pick is Khalil Mack. Our second-round pick is Anthony Miller." Then in 2020, two second-round picks makes Pace confident.</p>— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJStankevitz/status/1036323317328818177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="TOMblQ">For as much as Mack believes he can go out and dominate right away despite missing August, Nagy knows the Bears have to be more cautious with him to start. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"We're going to do everything to get him to a point to where he can play, and you see him he's been training and working out," Nagy on how Mack can feature against the Packers.<br>"We want to be aggressive with it, but smart."</p>— Robert Żeglinski (@RobertZeglinski) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertZeglinski/status/1036324159968747521?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"We'll see how he responds and his feedback," Nagy neglecting to note what capacity Mack will be ready for in Week 1 after missing the preseason.<br>"It's a day-by-day thing."</p>— Robert Żeglinski (@RobertZeglinski) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertZeglinski/status/1036321816204271616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Khalil Mack will work out tomorrow with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a>, but Matt Nagy says the likelihood of him playing against Green Bay is "hopefully pretty good."</p>— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJStankevitz/status/1036324026300465153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="8cZyTN">Oh, and about those raised expectations with Mack’s addition? They didn’t have to be raised because they were already so high. It’s always been <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> or bust for the Bears. Mack makes that fact more prominent.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"From what he's done, he makes us better. As a player, you're talking about a guy that's been the NFL Defensive Player of the Year," Nagy not downplaying Mack helping win a title.<br>"We're not going to raise expectations, our goal from the start has been to win the Super Bowl."</p>— Robert Żeglinski (@RobertZeglinski) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertZeglinski/status/1036322434243338242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="QunQVF"><em>Robert is an editor, writer, and producer for Windy City Gridiron, The Rock River Times, The Athletic Chicago, and a host of other fine publications. You can follow him on Twitter @RobertZeglinski and reach him by email at robertpoduski@gmail.com.</em></p>
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https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/2/17812364/chicago-bears-khalil-mack-introduction-trade-ryan-pace-defense-vic-fangio-nfl-2018Robert Zeglinski2018-09-02T12:03:24-05:002018-09-02T12:03:24-05:00Bears players react to the Khalil Mack trade
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<img alt="Cincinnati Bengals v Oakland Raiders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bVudH5MqftsDQ7sCi1IRlOs1R5U=/8x0:4928x3280/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61114913/488124094.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Some of the Bears’ core pieces couldn’t help but let their excitement ooze out over Mack’s arrival. </p> <p id="wYapAi">By now, the dust has settled on the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a>’ trade for Khalil Mack. What was initial shock has <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/1/17802378/chicago-bears-khalil-mack-oakland-raiders-trade-for-ryan-pace-leonard-floyd-nfl-2018">evolved into beaming acceptance</a>. </p>
<p id="GAqF3H">What hasn’t changed and will likely take time to get used to, is the excitement that’s bubbling over. It’s not only Bears fans that are ecstatic about the superstar pass rusher’s addition. Bears players themselves had to show their outward giddiness with Chicago <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/1/17808942/chicago-bears-khalil-mack-trade-oakland-raiders-going-big-going-home-bold-ryan-pace-nfl-2018">pushing it’s chips in on Mack</a>. </p>
<p id="wKJjm8">When you tell your players it’s time to win by making such a bold move, they’ll always respond perfectly in kind. It’s how you galvanize a budding, young locker room. </p>
<p id="Sbqfez">Here’s how several Bears reacted on Twitter to Mack being acquired by Chicago.</p>
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<p id="h5vFW7">Bears left tackle <span>Charles Leno Jr.</span> did what likely many across Chicagoland did yesterday: listened to Mark Morrison’s famed classic, “Return of the Mack.”</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">*On Repeat . You think I’m playin , check my IG story <a href="https://t.co/Od1PXZ0230">pic.twitter.com/Od1PXZ0230</a></p>— Charles Leno Jr (@charleslenojr72) <a href="https://twitter.com/charleslenojr72/status/1035909347665215488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2018</a>
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<p id="MlPcCU">Leno has some real moves, you have to admit. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome to the <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChicagoBears</a> , <a href="https://twitter.com/52Mack_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@52Mack_</a> from your left tackle <a href="https://t.co/JPeZ3hzZLM">pic.twitter.com/JPeZ3hzZLM</a></p>— Jennifer Roth (@jennifermroth_) <a href="https://twitter.com/jennifermroth_/status/1035912101037060098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2018</a>
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<p id="IxwQ2H">Linebacker Danny Trevathan showed that he sheepishly smiled as soon as he heard about Mack as a Bear. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yea buddy <a href="https://t.co/1UHAlTSuWf">pic.twitter.com/1UHAlTSuWf</a></p>— Danny Trevathan (@Grindin_59) <a href="https://twitter.com/Grindin_59/status/1035952956326260747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2018</a>
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<p id="zNTtEg">Someone’s job at inside linebacker just became that much easier. </p>
<p id="MoUnnA">Meanwhile, <span>Tarik Cohen</span> said it all. </p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/6cWeyXbKM2">pic.twitter.com/6cWeyXbKM2</a></p>— Tarik Cohen (@TarikCohen) <a href="https://twitter.com/TarikCohen/status/1035948925864370178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2018</a>
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<p id="dItZs9">The small running back <em>only</em> has to worry about Mack in practice. </p>
<p id="T4KpX5">Another Bears defender, cornerback <span>Prince Amukamara</span>, couldn’t resist kicking <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> quarterback <span>Derek Carr</span> while he was already down. </p>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr">Way <a href="https://t.co/GjI1Y5V6m1">https://t.co/GjI1Y5V6m1</a></p>— Prince Amukamara (@PrinceAmukamara) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrinceAmukamara/status/1035985644256776192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2018</a>
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<p id="cqzp67">Maybe <span>Amukamara</span>’s <a href="https://247sports.com/nfl/chicago-bears/Article/Prince-Amukamara-sets-a-goal-of-a-10-interception-season-with-the-Bears-119754720/">goal of 10 interceptions in 2018</a> doesn’t seem unrealistic with Mack’s added pass pressure.</p>
<p id="DTH4JU">Backup quarterback <span>Chase Daniel</span> had the most formal and informal welcome for Mack. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome to Chicago <a href="https://twitter.com/52Mack_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@52Mack_</a>!! Let’s get this thing started bro…. # ⬇️</p>— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChaseDaniel/status/1036051061407186944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="6pE9zr">A man that’s been in Kansas City and seen what Mack is capable of as a defender. </p>
<p id="dFZaLu"><span>Taylor Gabriel</span> was the one Bear that became the most emotional publicly, well after the Mack trade was announced in the early morning. This is the reaction of a player who knows his team is about to potentially embark on something special. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just two years I was released and the next up and coming year I played in the Super Bowl keep your heads up and keep grinding God has plans for you <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Godwilling?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Godwilling</a></p>— Taylor Gabriel (@TGdadon1) <a href="https://twitter.com/TGdadon1/status/1036005492961755141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 1, 2018</a>
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<p id="ffySUJ">You better believe Gabriel is thinking <em>big</em>.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Playoffs</p>— Taylor Gabriel (@TGdadon1) <a href="https://twitter.com/TGdadon1/status/1036276057006120960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="GZkwym">Finally, the Bears’ offensive mainstay in the quiet <span>Jordan Howard</span>, well ... he hung out with none other than Kanye West.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jordan Howard gotta new nick name for the work that he’s doing in the city J-How Jordan helping others win and we just got Khahlil Mack. We going to the Super Bowl this year <a href="https://t.co/zg1vu1mItO">pic.twitter.com/zg1vu1mItO</a></p>— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) <a href="https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/1036118795629129728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2018</a>
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<p id="CPyLP4">That’s the biggest smile anyone has ever seen on “J-How.”</p>
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<p id="Wgld8P">Needless to say, the trade for Mack makes the Bears relevant again. More importantly, it takes a rising Bears squad and lets them know that the No. 1 goal of their mission is to go trophy hunting. And they’re undoubtedly prepared for that lofty objective. </p>
<p id="rpKN1n"><em>Robert is an editor, writer, and producer for Windy City Gridiron, The Rock River Times, The Athletic Chicago, and a host of other fine publications. You can follow him on Twitter @RobertZeglinski and reach him by email at robertpoduski@gmail.com.</em></p>
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https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/2/17812028/chicago-bears-khalil-mack-trade-bears-players-react-charles-leno-prince-amukamara-twitter-nfl-2018Robert Zeglinski2018-09-02T11:00:01-05:002018-09-02T11:00:01-05:00The NFC North reacts to the Khalil Mack trade
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<img alt="Oakland Raiders v Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZ51FGINIHBzUf4vUmEzSDD2EsI=/0x386:2182x1841/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61111307/484907652.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Mack trade sent a ripple effect across the division. Perspective from the Lions, Vikings, and Packers. </p> <p id="sLui3F">As soon as the news leaked on Saturday morning about the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> making the blockbuster trade for <span>Khalil Mack</span> I knew I had to do a few things. </p>
<p id="lbJ7sr">First, I emailed the Windy City Gridiron team to make sure we were going to have the best all day coverage of this historic event. We did, and we nailed it. You can catch up on anything you may have missed in our <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/1/17809128/khalil-mack-is-a-chicago-bears-nfl-oakland-raiders-jon-gruden-ryan-pace-vic-fangio">Khalil Mack story-stream right here</a>. </p>
<p id="Nj5Fao">Second, I had to get out of bed. Which for me was tough, because I am not a morning person. Not at all. Saturdays are my sleep-in days, but with my phone blowing up, and with a responsibility to the community, I put on some pants and crawled out of bed. </p>
<p id="ftpzx9">Third, I checked social media to get the latest news about cutdown day, and to gauge the reaction of fans and media alike in regards to the Mack move.</p>
<p id="o1MZJK">That’s when I realized I had to get the take of our fellow NFC North, SB Nation sites: Acme Packing Company, Pride of Detroit, and the Daily Norsemen.</p>
<p id="XeYyYb">As much as I dislike the Bears’ three rival teams, I enjoy the coverage from our sister sites that cover them. Evan “Tex” Western (APC), Jeremy Reisman (PoD), and Christopher Gates (DN) all do a great job. Whenever I want to know something about the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a>, <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a> or <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>, that’s where I go. </p>
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<strong>Here’s what they had to say when I asked them about the </strong><strong>Mack</strong><strong> trade. </strong>
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<p id="JlYXE3"><a href="https://twitter.com/TexWestern?lang=en">Evan “Tex” Western</a>: The Packers were in on Mack -- that much is certain -- but it seems that they just didn’t have the best trade package in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a>’ eyes. Seeing him go to the Bears hurts, since Green Bay has long-term questions about their outside pass rush. But it’s hardly a knockout blow to their title hopes in 2018 or beyond. Ultimately, this seems like a big gamble for the Bears, and I still believe their hopes of contending in the immediate future still rest on how <span>Mitchell Trubisky</span> develops.</p>
<p id="7fXZM7"><a href="https://twitter.com/DetroitOnLion?lang=en">Jeremy Reisman</a>: A month or so ago, I proposed a trade for Mack that involved sending two first-round picks and Ziggy Ansah for the All-Pro defensive end. It was a near 50-50 split among the fanbase. I was torn, but ultimately said I would do it. So, I think the Bears made the right move and I hate them for it.</p>
<p id="ADW4si"><a href="https://twitter.com/Gates_DN">Christopher Gates</a>: Well, the Bears appear to have added what appears to be the final piece of a very good defense in Khalil Mack. They were lacking a big-time pass rusher, and they don’t come much more big-time than Mack. With the Vikings’ offensive line issues, this is definitely a troubling development for Minnesota. It also appears that this is going to put even more pressure on Trubisky to take the next step, because the Mack acquisition means that it won’t be the Chicago defense that holds this team back. Overall, this is good news for Bears fans and bad news for everyone in Minnesota, Detroit, and Green Bay.</p>
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https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/2/17810188/chicago-bears-nfc-north-reacts-khalil-mack-trade-green-bay-packers-detroit-lions-minnesota-vikingsLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2018-09-01T21:00:02-05:002018-09-01T21:00:02-05:00Yes, the Bears actually traded for Khalil Mack
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<img alt="NFL: Oakland Raiders at Dallas Cowboys" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LKL7HqlzdjmD36wzuUHPCbr3Nss=/0x0:4771x3181/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61111063/usa_today_10248682.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>You’re not dreaming. The Bears indeed traded for the superstar pass rusher. On the latest WCG Radio, we discussed the aftermath of the blockbuster move and what this means for the Bears’ future. </p> <p id="Ry1ady">Pinch yourself. Rub your eyes. Whatever you have to do to wake yourself up. Yes, it’s still real. </p>
<p id="cy2F2v">In what will <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/1/17802378/chicago-bears-khalil-mack-oakland-raiders-trade-for-ryan-pace-leonard-floyd-nfl-2018">go down as one of the biggest trades in both Bears and NFL history</a>, Chicago pushed it’s hands in on a beyond aggressive deal for now <em>former</em> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> dynamo pass rusher, Khalil Mack. Say what you will of parts of the Bears roster that still have to prove themselves: this organization wants to compete for championships now. You don’t give up what the Bears gave up for Mack if you don’t expect to win immediately. </p>
<aside id="WedTwX"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"In trading for Khalil Mack, the Bears are going big or going home","url":"https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/1/17808942/chicago-bears-khalil-mack-trade-oakland-raiders-going-big-going-home-bold-ryan-pace-nfl-2018"}]}'></div></aside><p id="Dawrzu">So what does this mean exactly for the Bears’ immediate future? </p>
<p id="39WzFF">Windy City Gridiron staff writer <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronLemingNFL?lang=en">Aaron Leming</a> joined me on the latest WCG Radio to discuss the aftermath of the Bears shaking up the football world with Mack, how expectations should change, and to join in on a round of applause for general manager Ryan Pace. </p>
<h1 id="xJIjYV"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wcg-radio-episode-48-the-bears-return-of-the-mack/id1414114051?i=1000418945855&mt=2"><strong>Listen here on iTunes (and subscribe, rate, and review)!</strong></a></h1>
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<cite>Robert Zeglinski</cite>
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<h1 id="8hb3mw"><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wcgradio/2018/09/01/wcg-radio-episode-48-the-bears-return-of-the-mack"><strong>BlogTalk Radio</strong></a></h1>
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<h1 id="X0LYEH"><strong>On this episode of WCG Radio</strong></h1>
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<li id="C6Rr5T">The Mack trade details are in: initial thoughts</li>
<li id="IT7Mrx">The Raiders’ perspective: what is Jon Gruden thinking?</li>
<li id="9JMYEz">Draft capital and financial flexibility is perennially overrated</li>
<li id="6jhXM0">What adding Mack does for an evolving Bears defense</li>
<li id="CQWK3J">Where do the Bears sit in the NFC and NFL landscape now?</li>
<li id="VAZ8pV">How acquiring Mack helps <span>Mitchell Trubisky</span>, and what that says about him</li>
<li id="w1rMDe">Expectations are justifiably astromically high</li>
<li id="S3ViN7">Applauding Pace for going all-in</li>
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<p id="3iu8p4"><em>Robert is an editor, writer, and producer for Windy City Gridiron, The Rock River Times, The Athletic Chicago, and other fine publications. Aaron is a writer for Windy City Gridiron and The Bear Report. You can follow them on Twitter @RobertZeglinski and @AaronLemingNFL.</em></p>
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https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/1/17810704/chicago-bears-khalil-mack-trade-ryan-pace-not-dreaming-mitchell-trubisky-wcg-radio-nfl-2018Robert ZeglinskiAaron Leming2018-09-01T19:00:01-05:002018-09-01T19:00:01-05:00The Khalil Mack trade is better than you think for the Bears
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<img alt="Chicago Bears Introduce Matt Nagy" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XnWTEEkJgFealVzKDIGw3CsUNok=/0x0:3432x2288/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61110027/903071158.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>If you’re satisfied with the way the Bears maneuvered through the 2018 off-season, conventional draft pick accounting of the Mack trade offers another reason to pump your fist.</p> <p id="CI1nMY">Bears general manager Ryan Pace has taken a lot of criticism during his tenure. Some of that criticism is deserved, and some is born of frustration. However, the man knows how to work a trade. That means that a certain writer around these parts has to admit there is at least one thing he is good at.</p>
<aside id="Efpobr"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"What is Ryan Pace Actually “Good” At?","url":"https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/8/2/17640138/what-is-ryan-pace-actually-good-at-draft-busts-roquan-smith-contract-mismanagement-free-agency"}]}'></div></aside><p id="LzMBGy">Let’s talk about the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/1/17808942/chicago-bears-khalil-mack-trade-oakland-raiders-going-big-going-home-bold-ryan-pace-nfl-2018">blockbuster trade</a> for <span>Khalil Mack</span>. </p>
<h2 id="zKJ3OU"><strong>Classic draft math</strong></h2>
<p id="ST1OwY">To acquire Mack, Pace <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/1/17803478/chicago-bears-trade-khalil-mack-official-first-round-second-ryan-pace-oakland-raiders-jon-gruden">sent away</a> a 2019 first-rounder, a 2020 first-rounder, a 2019 sixth-rounder, and a 2020 third-rounder. In terms of conventional draft math, that’s the same as sending away a first-rounder, second-rounder, fourth-rounder, and a sixth-rounder. If you assume the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> will still be drafting No. 10 overall in 2019, then the approximate value of this entire package is around 1800 points. Compensatory picks make it sort of difficult to peg the exact value of those later-round selections. </p>
<p id="KJWSMr">In the Mack trade, the Bears are picking up a guaranteed 190-point discount with the return of a future second (valued as a mid-round third). That means the Bears acquired Mack for just over 1600 points of draft value, assuming the conditional fifth-rounder doesn’t end up coming into play. That’s equal to the No. 6 overall pick in the draft. That’s remarkable. </p>
<p id="lD1BmY">If the Bears are simply <em>mediocre </em>instead of bad in 2018, and that 2019 first-rounder is reduced to No. 16 overall instead of No. 10, then the price of acquiring Mack was less than the 1350 points that are needed to buy the No. 9 pick in the draft.</p>
<p id="kePQFv">In terms of draft capital, Mack was cheaper than <span>Leonard Floyd</span>. I like No. 94, but that’s just not right.</p>
<h2 id="GrYH27"><strong>Player selection</strong></h2>
<p id="gnTpH4">The easiest complaint to make about the Mack trade is that the Bears need players. Leave aside the fact that simple warm bodies seldom win football games, the structure of the deal is such that the Bears gave away four potential players (two firsts, a third, and a sixth), but they received back three potential players (Mack, a second, and a possible fifth). </p>
<p id="pEAk7g">It’s true the Bears are essentially “down” a single first-round player after two more drafts (when all of the picks sort themselves out). Ultimately, that is a small price to pay when the general uncertainty of the draft kicks in.</p>
<p id="U2WSpD">A good rule of thumb is that 30-40 percent of first-round picks end up as <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a>-level players, and about half that many end up as First-Team All-Pros. By trading for Mack, Pace essentially cashed in a pair of <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>3</sub> chances for a single player: Mack. There is a chance that he does not play at a Pro Bowl level in the next four years, but those chances are much, much smaller than the chances that either or both of those first-round picks suffer the same failings (I’m not going to assign a probability to failing because it’s too vague and because I have no desire to ever anger Mack).</p>
<h2 id="sgdXCa"><strong>Cap space</strong></h2>
<p id="WGw8sy">This has been hammered home endlessly by the coverage of the trade thus far, so I will only mention it briefly here: if the Bears cannot afford an elite pass rusher when <span>Mitchell Trubisky</span> and Leonard Floyd are both on price-controlled contracts, then no team can afford that sort of deal. The reality is that elite players cost money. The Bears have space, and for years fans have been wondering what Pace planned on doing with that space. Now they know.</p>
<p id="cleQGe">Pace is giving Mack $23.5 million per year with <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/1/17810330/chicago-bears-khalil-mack-trade-highest-paid-defensive-player-nfl-history-2018-ryan-pace-raiders">his six-year extension</a>. That is a lot of money, and depending on how it’s structured it should average out to around 10-14 percent of the team’s cap space in most years (assuming the cap continues to move up in absolute dollars, which is fairly safe). </p>
<aside id="nPmZdj"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Khalil Mack is the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history","url":"https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/1/17810330/chicago-bears-khalil-mack-trade-highest-paid-defensive-player-nfl-history-2018-ryan-pace-raiders"}]}'></div></aside><p id="CKQeJt">Ultimately, a successful team will typically sink about half of its total salary cap into its top ten players (here’s a<a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2018/3/15/17114596/nfl-free-agency-2018-salary-cap-formula-winning-teams"> fun analysis</a> that goes far deeper). The Bears have basically committed themselves to having only 35-40 percent of their cap for the next nine players. Even if Trubisky is extended with another “Mack-level” deal, that would give the Bears 25-30 percent of their cap for the next eight players, and they would have the two most expensive positions in football locked down.</p>
<p id="qGXZfw">Let’s put this another way: the tenth-highest paid left tackle in 2018 took in less than six percent of his team’s cap, and the entire Bears wide receiver corps this year is costing 16 percent of the cap (per Spotrac). In other words, even these two contracts <em>will</em> leave the Bears room to maneuver if they are smart about it. They have less financial flexibility than before, sure. The thing about cap space is it only helps if you use it.</p>
<p id="Ge1Ajo">The trade for Mack was a good move. There are ways it could go wrong, but it was undoubtedly well-done. Ryan Pace should take a bow.</p>
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https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/1/17810200/chicago-bears-khalil-mack-trade-better-than-you-think-ryan-pace-mitchell-trubisky-nfl-2018Josh Sunderbruch2018-09-01T17:26:44-05:002018-09-01T17:26:44-05:00Khalil Mack is the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history
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<img alt="Oakland Raiders v Denver Broncos" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-uiODnkqHRwq6QvzqEvig2INnfQ=/0x0:2638x1759/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61110233/630775472.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>That’s actually Mack counting his money in advance. | Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Mack’s contract numbers have been revealed, and it’s a monster. </p> <p id="U1rXWu">When the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/1/17803478/chicago-bears-trade-khalil-mack-official-first-round-second-ryan-pace-oakland-raiders-jon-gruden">worked out the trade details</a> for <span>Khalil Mack</span>, the most important detail was the Bears making sure they’d be able to negotiate a contract extension for the 2019 free-agent-to-be-Mack. </p>
<p id="bfpjWS">There’s no way that Bears general manager Ryan Pace would have <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/1/17802378/chicago-bears-khalil-mack-oakland-raiders-trade-for-ryan-pace-leonard-floyd-nfl-2018">agreed to send a couple of first-round picks and change to Oakland</a> without assurance he could get Mack locked up long term. That’s too hefty of a price to pay without security as the Bears <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/1/17808942/chicago-bears-khalil-mack-trade-oakland-raiders-going-big-going-home-bold-ryan-pace-nfl-2018">lock in a championship core</a>. </p>
<p id="4lSz6N"><a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1036011135483486211">ESPN’s Adam Schefter</a> was the first to report that Khalil Mack is now the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. Mack will receive a six-year, $141 million contract extension, which includes $90 million guaranteed and $60 million due at signing. His per-year average will be $23.5 million.</p>
<p id="IvwAOQ">Mack’s new deal will eclipse the six-year, $135 million that <span>Aaron Donald</span> received just yesterday. A <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2018/8/31/15048692/aaron-donald-contract-extension-rams-pay-the-man">deal that set a good benchmark</a> for likely easy negotiations between Mack and the Bears to give him his well-deserved money as one of the best players in the NFL. A notoriously “cheap” organization in the Bears essentially writing a blank check. Who would’ve thought?</p>
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https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2018/9/1/17810330/chicago-bears-khalil-mack-trade-highest-paid-defensive-player-nfl-history-2018-ryan-pace-raidersLester A. Wiltfong Jr.Robert Zeglinski