Khalil Mack's Top 5 Bone-Crushing Plays: You Won't Believe #3
Khalil Mack, a name synonymous with power, speed, and sheer dominance on the football field. His career, spanning from the Oakland Raiders to the Chicago Bears and now the Los Angeles Chargers, has been a highlight reel of game-changing plays. His ability to disrupt offenses, sack quarterbacks, and force turnovers has solidified his place as one of the most feared defensive players of his generation. But among the countless impactful plays, some stand out as truly bone-crushing, moments where Mack’s raw power and athleticism were on full display. This list counts down the top five, culminating in a play at number three that will leave you speechless.
Starting off our list at number five is Mack’s strip-sack against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018. Playing for the Chicago Bears, Mack burst through the offensive line, overwhelming the right tackle and meeting Patrick Mahomes just as he was about to release the ball. The force of the hit jarred the ball loose, leading to a Bears recovery and showcasing Mack's ability to single-handedly swing momentum. This play wasn’t just about the sack, it was about the sheer violence of the hit and the immediate impact it had on the game.
Number four takes us back to Mack’s Raider days, a Monday Night Football showdown against the Denver Broncos. Mack, relentless in his pursuit, bull-rushed through the Broncos’ offensive line, grabbing Brock Osweiler and driving him into the ground with a thunderous slam. This sack was a testament to Mack's incredible strength and his unwavering determination to dominate the opposing quarterback. The visual of Osweiler being rag-dolled by Mack remains etched in the memories of Raider Nation.
Coming in at number three, the play you won’t believe, is Mack’s annihilation of then-Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. It wasn’t a sack, nor was it a forced fumble. This play was pure, unadulterated dominance. Mack, lined up against the tight end, simply overpowered him, driving him backward into Newton’s lap as the quarterback prepared to throw. The impact was devastating. Newton, a physically imposing player himself, was crumpled under the combined weight of Mack and the unfortunate tight end. This play, while not showing up in the stat sheet as a sack or tackle for loss, demonstrated Mack's freakish strength and his ability to disrupt plays in unconventional ways. The sheer force he generated in that moment was awe-inspiring and perfectly encapsulates his bone-crushing style.
Continuing our countdown, number two features Mack’s strip-sack against the Minnesota Vikings in 2019. Mack, once again displaying his signature explosiveness, blew past the left tackle and met Kirk Cousins in the backfield. The hit was so forceful that it not only separated Cousins from the ball but also sent him spinning to the ground. This play highlighted Mack’s ability to create game-changing turnovers, a skill that has made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Finally, the number one spot belongs to Mack’s iconic “Pick-Six” against the Green Bay Packers in his debut game with the Chicago Bears. After bulldozing through the offensive line, Mack met a hapless Brett Hundley in the backfield. He not only forced the fumble but also scooped up the loose ball and returned it for a touchdown, electrifying the crowd and announcing his arrival in Chicago in spectacular fashion. This play wasn’t just bone-crushing, it was a statement. It was a declaration of Mack’s intent to dominate and a preview of the impact he would have on the Bears’ defense.
Khalil Mack's career has been defined by moments of sheer power and dominance. His ability to impose his will on opposing offenses has earned him a place among the elite defenders in the NFL. These top five plays, culminating in the unbelievable number three, showcase the bone-crushing force that has made Khalil Mack a legend of the game. His impact extends beyond the stats, inspiring awe and fear in equal measure. He is a force of nature on the gridiron, and his highlight reel continues to grow with each passing season.