Each NFL team’s MVP this season

Chicago Bears-Khalil Mack

There was no question Khalil Mack was going to drastically improve the Bears defense this season. The only question was just how productive he would be in Vic Fangio’s scheme. It’s safe to say he’s satisfied even the loftiest expectations.

The Pro Bowl defensive end already has eight sacks on the season. Even more impressive is the reality that he’s already forced five fumbles. Add in one interception and it’s easy to see just how important he is to the Bears defense.

While his stats are impressive, his impact on the field can’t be measured simply by sacks, tackles and fumble recoveries. He is the first player opposing offensive coordinators try to stop when they come up with their game plans. The attention Mack draws on every snap frees up a lot of his teammates to take advantage of one-on-one matchups of their own.

Matt Nagy’s team currently sits atop the AFC North and Mack is probably the single biggest reason why that’s the case. Raiders fans have to be shaking their heads at the notion that they can replace him with a few first round draft picks. He’s a generational talent at one of the game’s most important positions.