Chargers Rookie Defender Envisioned Dominate Performance by Khalil Mack
Khalil Mack came into Sunday's game against the Raiders with a doughnut next to his sacks on the year; he left with half a dozen.
Mack had a historic game totaling six sacks on rookie quarterback Aidan O'Connell in a dominant performance that saw the Chargers come away with their second straight win on the year.
Who could have predicted this performance? Rookie teammate Tuli Tuipulotu.
"He was on a different type of timing this week. He just seemed real happy. I knew what time it was," Tuipulotu told ESPN. "He was smiling a whole lot this week. I saw him dancing a whole lot this week, so I knew it was coming."
Mack has played against the Raiders before since his abrupt departure after the 2017 season. This game has taken the cake of revenge games.
In 5 games against the Raiders in Mack's career, he has totaled 30 tackles and ten sacks, including three forced fumbles.
This breakout game for Mack was a little surprising because the Raiders offensive line only allowed four sacks the year before playing the Chargers.
The biggest change was at QB; Jimmy Garoppolo did not suit up due to his concussion last week, forcing rookie QB Aidan O'Connell to start his first career game.
Mack and the rest of the Chargers defense welcomed the rookie with open (and then closed) arms as O'Connell was seemingly hit every time he dropped back.
The Chargers are now headed into their bye week and look to get healthy and recover as they have a tough matchup with the Dallas Cowboys when they get back.
