For a Bears defense that has lost its luster — dropping from first in the NFL in scoring in 2018 to fourth last year to 14th this season — the big stage of Sunday’s wild-card game against the Saints is a chance for redemption.
“You took the words right out of my mouth,” outside linebacker Khalil Mack said. “It is what it is. You have the opportunity to redeem. So that’s the only way I can look it. It’s going to be a positive. And I can’t wait.”
Even Mack’s star has dipped a bit during a Pro Bowl season in which he led the Bears with nine sacks, as his chain-reaction impact has been muted.