Chicago Bears: 5 Reasons Khalil Mack trade will lead to NFC North title
By Randy Gurzi
2. Pass Rush makes A-Rod human
In order to win the NFC North, the Bears will have to get through the Green Bay Packers. They’re not the reigning champs, but as long as Aaron Rodgers is healthy, they’re the favorite. Khalil Mack is the perfect addition to get after Rodgers and make him look like a regular quarterback.
Look at how Rodgers and the Packers were defeated over the past two seasons. In Week 2 of 2016 against Minnesota, Rodgers completed just 55.6 percent of his passes for 213 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Rodgers also fumbled three times in that contest.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Later in that same season, the Packers lost to the Tennessee Titans in Week 10 by a score of 47-25. It was an ugly one-sided contest and Rodgers threw an uncharacteristic two picks in that contest. In each of those games, he was sacked five times.
In 2017, Rodgers lost in Week 2 to the Falcons when he was sacked three times — although he was hit much more than that. Again, he uncharacteristically turned the ball over twice. The following week he was sacked six times by the Cincinnati Bengals in a close 27-24 loss.
After missing most of the season due to a broken collarbone suffered at the hands of the Vikings, Rodgers played one more game in Week 15. It was another loss as Rodgers threw an unbelievable — for him anyway — three interceptions. Once again, the pressure was the key as he was hurried all game and sacked three times.
While it doesn’t always mean victory, pressure makes life hard on any quarterback, even one of Rodgers pedigree. Mack will make life much harder on him and could swing the momentum in their favor during their two matchups in 2018.