5 players the Bears need to play well to beat Rams

Aug 21, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) and head coach Matt Nagy (right) look on during the first half of their game against the Buffalo Bills at Soldier Field. The Buffalo Bills won 41-15. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports /

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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 27: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears rushes the passer during the first quarter of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on December 27, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

2. Khalil Mack, OLB

The Bears front seven is as strong as it has ever been entering the 2021 season. When looking at last year, Chicago pulled off some impressive wins thanks in part to the play of pass-rusher Khalil Mack.

A prime example of Mack’s impact on Chicago came in their 20-19 win over the eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where Mack recorded three total tackles and two sacks. Mack putting up a similar performance could help the Bears pull off a potential statement victory in Week 1.

Given his position on the defense, Mack will be seeing a lot of Rams right tackle Rob Havenstein. Last season, Havenstein allowed four sacks and was called for five penalties on 1,117 snaps, per Pro Football Focus. If there is anyone who can potentially give Havenstein an off-game, it is the former Defensive Player of the Year.

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