Khalil Mack Continues to Shine For The Los Angeles Chargers

By Korbin McCarthy

Knowing where Khalil Mack is on the field is usually priority No. 1 for 

opposing offenses. Mack, the 6’3”  269 lbs. outside linebacker for the Los 

Angeles Chargers is one of the best defensive players in the NFL. Since 

joining the Chargers in 2022 Mack has been the heart and  soul   of   the 

defense. He’s the player the team looks for to make the big plays during 

crunch time, and he always delivers.

The Chargers are not having the type of season they envisioned.

However, Mack is playing at a Pro Bowl level. Mack currently ranks 5th

in the league in sacks with 13. He also has 30 solo tackles and four forced 

fumbles.

Mack raises the level of play of his teammates during practice.

“Khalil competes all the time. He is always trying to play good football 

and perfect his craft. I’m trying to do the same thing. He pushes me,” said

All-Pro wide receiver Keenan Allen.

In a recent 20-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens Mack finished with two 

(2) sacks against Lamar Jackson, a former league MVP, and one of the 

most versatile quarterbacks in the league.

Although it was not his most dominant performance, Jackson was still

very impressive and came through for the Ravens in the clutch. Jackson 

continues to rewrite the quarterback position with his explosive speed and 

his much-improved accuracy as a passer. Statistically Jackson’s numbers 

were average, but he impacted the game in ways that don’t show up on the 

stat sheet. Jackson controlled the tempo of the game and made the big 

plays when it mattered most. He distributed the ball to key players keeping 

them involved and used his legs at the right time. He kept the defense on

their heels.

At Week 13, and the season more than halfway over it appears the

Chargers’ playoff window is closing. However, all is not lost for the bolts.

With a defensive  leader   like Khalil Mack,  along   with strong safety 

Derwin James Jr. they have a great chance to make a defensive stance 

and make a strong playoff push.

The Chargers currently sit at 4-7, 13th overall in the AFC, but just two

games behind the 7th and final playoff spot. The Chargers have a pretty 

favorable regular season schedule with only six games remaining. They’ll 

play the Kansas City Chiefs, the Buffalo Bills, and the Denver Broncos at 

Sofi Stadium. They have the Broncos one more time on the road, the Las 

Vegas Raiders on the road and the New England Patriots on the road in 

Foxboro on Sunday. Only two of the remaining teams on their schedule 

have records above .500, giving them a puncher's chance at making the 

post-season.

The Chargers will take their first step to get back in the win column 

against the 2-9 Patriots, who are currently in last place in the AFC.