Chicago Bears: 5 X-factors for getting a win in Week 7 vs. Rams

2. Quinn must step up if Mack is hurting

Chicago Bears Nation was horrified when linebacker Khalil Mack’s name showed up on the injury report with a bad back preventing him from practicing on Friday. He’s listed as questionable which means he likely plays on Monday.

Backs are a tricky thing, however. You feel great one day, then it flares up and you can barely move. If Mack has trouble on Monday night, they need someone to step up.

Robert Quinn is that guy who steps up. This is the reason why they signed him to begin with.

Quinn is a former All-Pro pass rusher like Mack. While his stats haven’t blown people’s minds, he’s done a great job of helping take space away from Mack. As a result, Mack again looks like the Mack everyone expects. With Leonard Floyd not winning his one-on-one battles last season, opponents were able to double or triple-team Mack.

After missing the opening season game against the Detroit Lions, Quinn has been doing his job. Against the Bucs, he pressured Brady five times. Last week against the Panthers, he pressured Teddy Bridgewater six times, including on the interception Bridgewater threw late in the game that sealed the Bears’ win.

Everyone has this game as a battle of two elite defenses led by Donald and Mack. The Bears have more than just Mack to rush the quarterback, however. Quinn and Akiem Hicks do a great job of rushing the quarterback.

If Mack is in any way slowed down by his back Quinn needs to step in and have his best game as a Chicago Bears player.