5 Chicago Bears bold predictions vs. Baltimore Ravens in Week 11

4. Robert Quinn needs to step up for the Chicago Bears defense

Linebacker Khalil Mack might miss another game. He missed the last two games with a foot injury. The thought was that missing those two games, along with resting during the bye week, would allow him to get healthy enough to play.

It looks as if the plan isn’t working. Mack hasn’t practiced this week and his playing status is in doubt. It could be them just resting him more so he’ll be ready on Sunday but for now, we don’t know.

There was a signing the Bears made this week that raises doubt for Mack’s return long-term. They signed edge rusher Bruce Irvin. That might be a signal that Mack might need to go on injured reserve, thus missing another chunk of games. With the Bears reeling and the season likely a loss, we might not see Mack for the rest of the season.

In Mack’s absence, his running mate, Robert Quinn, needs to step up. He and Mack showed the league how good they could play together. They combined for 12.5 sacks so far this season.

Now Quinn needs to go at it alone for the time being. One of the advantages of having a good pass rush for the Bears is getting to the quarterback without having to blitz so much. They rank second in sack percentage despite ranking 31st in blitz percentage.

By not blitzing and still getting sacks, the Bears pass rush helps protect the weak secondary. Quinn and company need to keep that up this week. If they allow Jackson to rip off some deep passes, the secondary will give up some big plays. If that happens, there will be no upset.

Quinn has had a resurgent season after last year’s debacle. He needs to keep that going this week.

Prediction: 5 tackles (2 for loss), 2 sacks, 3 quarterback hits