With the Bears’ slim playoff hopes on the line, Khalil Mack and the defense need a huge finish to the regular season, starting with Thursday night’s game against the Cowboys at Soldier Field.
And while the wear-and-tear of a 16-game NFL season is working against them, Mack and the Bears’ defense have a couple of factors in their favor: linebacker Roquan Smith is playing at a high level and picking up steam after a mid-season lull; and defensive end Akiem Hicks is on schedule to return next week against the Packers.
While Mack makes everyone around him better, elite playmakers make Mack better.