Chargers' Star Power Tough for Bears to Match
Much like last week, one of the biggest challenges ahead for the Bears offensive line and quarterback Tyson Bagent is a high-profile edge rusher.
Except this time there are multiple threats off the edge and the Bears know one very well.
Khalil Mack exited Halas Hall in early March last year before free agency began in trade GM Ryan Poles made to get some value back in return for a player who keyed the most exciting season they've had since making the 2010 NFC championship game.
"He's a pro's pro just from what I hear about him from him being in the building," Bears coach Matt Eberflus said. "I got the chance to meet him when he was first here, just from the brief stint. Just admired him over the years. His ability to be a consistent pro and produce every year that he was healthy and out there. He's a handful."
The Bears have to hope not. They have too many holding penalties lately as it is.
Mack is graded 14th by Pro Football Focus among edge rushers, and 16th with his pass rush. However, his season hasn't been as strong as his stats look. He had six of his seven sacks and five of his six tackles for loss in the Chargers' 24-17 win over the Raiders on Oct. 1. It was a game for the ages, as he totally dominated Jermaine Eluemunor, blocker who has been a guard as much as a tackle and afterward was benched.
So in the other five Chargers games, Mack has one sack and one tackle for loss.
The problem with facing Mack and the Chargers defense is they have two edge rushers who can be dominant. Joey Bosa has had outstanding play much of his career, as well. Bosa had a 2022 marred by a groin injury that limited him to five games played. He has started just once this year but has played in five and has three sacks.
"They've got generational players in 52 (Mack) and (three-time Pro Bowl safety Derwin James), so you've got to be aware of where they're at at all times," Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent said. "And it's a team that we're going to have to be locked in again, and we're going to need all 11.
"So we're looking to continue on the good days of practice and put our best foot forward on Sunday."
There are numerous players on a star-studded team seemingly underachieving under former Bears assistant Brandon Staley, who is in his third season and on the hotseat. The Chargers have nine players who would have dead cap hits of $10 million or more. Their cap situation looks like the Bears' cap situation did before Ryan Pace was fired.
It doesn't mean they can't put it together for a Sunday against a young, unproven team. In fact, their big problem has really been playing three of the league's best teams and the Bears are one of the few easier opponents they've faced.
Here are the biggest Bears problems facing in the Chargers.
1. OLB Khalil Mack
He'll line up across from rookie Darnell Wright most of the time and Wright has a shoulder injury. Mack hasn't had a double-digit sack season since the 2018 year when he helped the Bears win the NFC North. He's had 15 sacks since leaving Chicago and faces double teams repeatedly like he did here.
2. QB Justin Herbert
Much has been made of Herbert's "struggles" this season but his most poor efforts have come against some of the league's best defenses. He had a 68.6 passer rating against the Chiefs in last week's loss, 84.0 against the Cowboys the previous week but did struggle against the same Raiders team Tyson Bagent dismantled with a 72.7 rating. He had completion percentages of 59.5 or lower in each of the last three games. Nonetheless, Herbert has 10 TD passes, four interceptions and is one of the better passers to come into the league in the past few seasons.
3. WR Keenan Allen
Their receiving leader is working without Mike Williams as his counterpart, because of a torn ACL. The 6-foot-2, 211-pound, 11-year veteran has definitely done his part to pick up the slack with 64 targets and 46 catches for 574 yards and four TDs. He's a blend of athleticism, route-running ability and intelligence at age 31 and tough for defenses to contain over the course of a full game. A team without a pass rush could expect Allen will find a way to be open on a given play, so getting heat on Herbert is essential.
4. RB Austin Eckler
Their multipurpose back hasn't had the overall statistical impact like in many other years as Josh Kelley has gained the most yards (284) and has the most carries (65). But Eckler has nine receptions for 83 yards and has six rushing TDs.
Now in his seventh season, Ekeler lacks his normal stats because he had an ankle injury that sidelined him for half the games but appears over it.
5. DE Joey Bosa
Their 6-5, 280-pound edge rusher has just one start but has played in five games as he has limped through a hamstring injury a year after a bad groin injury. Rookie Tuli Tuipulotu has started five times and has two sacks. Bosa has had just 175 snaps this season but has been there for them on big downs.
6. DE Morgan Fox
While they have big names like Bosa and Mack, the former Rams and Panthers defensive lineman has had their second-most sacks and has been the most consistent sack producer with five in four games. He plays situationally and hasn't started but has been on the field for 169 snaps.
7. T Rashawn Slater
The 6-4, 315-pound third-year left tackle has emerged one of the league's higher-graded offensive linemen according to Pro Football Focus. He is 14th overall among tackles but sixth as a pass blocker and has given up one sack with three penalties. When you have a passer the quality of Herbert, it only makes sense to keep him protected and Slater is producing in this respect.
8. WR Josh Palmer
The 6-1, 210-pounder from Tennessee has had to step up with Williams' injury and has 20 catches for 353 yards. He's the downfield threat with 17.7 yards a catch, 7.0 yards higher than his average per catch in his first two years.
Twitter: BearDigest@BearsOnMaven
