Aaron Donald and Khalil Mack were on top of the NFL defensive world as 27-year-olds in 2018.
Donald, the Los Angeles Rams’ star defensive tackle, won his second consecutive NFL Defensive Player of the Year trophy thanks to a whopping 20.5 sacks, setting the NFL record for sacks by a defensive tackle. His efforts helped lead the Rams to Super Bowl LIII, where they lost to the New England Patriots.
More NFL coverage »But as the two meet Monday night at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, they don’t sit 1-2 atop the NFL defensive hierarchy. Donald, after 12.5 sacks and a fifth straight All-Pro selection last year, has already racked up 7.5 sacks this season and looks to be the favorite for a third DPOY in four seasons (he also won in 2017). Mack, while still a Pro Bowler, wasn’t an All-Pro last year and his status as Donald’s main DPOY competition has been threatened.
Separated by three months in age, is there a bigger separation happening in production? We ask Bears reporter Jeff Dickerson and Rams reporter Lindsey Thiry to break down the defensive stars.
In 2018, both had monster seasons. Since then their paths have diverged somewhat. What has gone right for Donald and wrong for Mack?
Dickerson: There’s nothing “wrong” with Mack. Rather, Mack is a victim of his own success. Most players would be thrilled to finish a season with 47 tackles, 8.5 sacks and five forced fumbles – Mack’s numbers in 2019 – but Mack raised the bar astronomically high the year before. He failed to dominate last season the way he did in 2018; Mack’s first year in Chicago after the Raiders traded him prior to Week 1. The good news for the Bears – and bad news for the rest of the NFL – is that Mack is back. He already has 4.5 sacks for one of the league’s best defenses. Mack terrorized Tom Brady in Week 5 and even hip-tossed Tampa’s starting right tackle for good measure. Good luck, Jared Goff.
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Thiry: As an individual, Donald does not have an Achilles’ heel. He is dominant in every fashion. The only issue, like Mack, is that opponents are able to key in on Donald because of a lack of dominant pass-rushers coming from the edge this season. Floyd, whom the Bears released during the offseason, has maintained a persistent presence and has two sacks. However, the position opposite of Floyd has remained in flux as the Rams shuffle several players in attempt to establish a more consistent pass rush.
How will each impact Monday night’s game most?
Dickerson: Mack is such a force that Los Angeles will have to key on him. Unfortunately for the Rams, Hicks is also having a monster year and is borderline unblockable at times. Safety Eddie Jackson is an opportunistic playmaker. Cornerback Kyle Fuller is a former Pro Bowler. Veteran safety Tashaun Gipson already has two interceptions. Roquan Smith is Chicago’s leading tackler. The defense feeds off the attention that is paid to Mack, who impacts games not only by his play but also by his presence.
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Thiry: The Bears will have to account for Donald on every snap. Even while facing a double-team on 70.1% of his pass rushes this season, Donald has a league-high 7.5 sacks. And worst news yet for the Bears is that Donald is coming off a down performance against the 49ers that will inspire him to get to quarterback Nick Foles. Donald has not gone two consecutive games without a sack since Week 5 and 6 of 2019. Watch for his pressure to force Foles into some errant throws that the Rams’ secondary, led by cornerback Jalen Ramsey, will be ready to capitalize on.
The Bears will win if Mack … / The Rams will win if Donald …
Dickerson: … plays the way he is capable of playing. The Bears need Mack to sack Goff about one or two times and hit him five to six times. The Bears will need to rely on their defense to win. Maybe Mack can also pitch in on offense. That would be helpful, too.
Thiry: … makes Foles uncomfortable. The Rams’ defense has gotten sacks in bunches – see their eight sacks versus Washington. So if Donald is able to lead the way against an offensive line that has a pass block win rate of 57.3% (16th in the NFL) it could be a long night for Foles and other playmakers on an offense that, at least statistically, is ranked among the least productive in the league.
