4 key matchups for the Panthers vs. the Bears in Week 6
By Dean Jones
Russell Okung/Taylor Moton vs. Khalil Mack
Khalil Mack has terrorized opposing offensive lines from the moment he entered the NFL. The pass-rushing phenom has been at his dominant best this season and there are few defenders in the league who can impact a game as he can.
Mack will be all over the line of scrimmage looking for the weak spot. And if the former first-round pick finds one, then it could be a long afternoon for the Carolina Panthers.
The onus will primarily be on the tackle tandem of Russell Okung and Taylor Moton to keep Mack in check as best they can. Both players have been outstanding for five weeks against some fierce opposition. But Sunday’s game will see them take on the best in the business when it comes to getting in the backfield.
There isn’t a lot anybody can do to prevent Mack from getting his fill, and it is going to take more than one player to keep him from having a major say on proceedings. Expect to see Chris Manhertz heavily involved in the game at Bank of America Stadium thanks to the tight end’s blocking prowess. But even that might not be enough.
The likes of Chandler Jones and Joey Bosa have wanted no part of Moton this season. Mack might opt to take his chances with the aging Okung and hope his explosiveness can cause some serious complications.