Sep 21, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (38) gets up ended by Oakland Raiders line backer Khalil Mack (52) during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 16-9. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Raider Nation was antsy over Oakland Raiders 2014 No. 5 overall pick Khalil Mack at the beginning of the season. After being let down so many times by previous Top-10 draft picks, the nation wanted to see a big explosion right away. It was so bad that there were some that complained about his lack of production in the preseason of all things.
Then when his stat sheet wasn’t full after the first regular season game against the New York Jets many were alarmed. No one dared to call the outside linebacker a bust this early but there was clearly plenty of disappointment over him. Then when the Raiders lost to the New England Patriots in Week 3, he was disruptive and the buzz about Mack was back.
That’s because Raiders defensive coordinator Jason Tarver finally unleashed him unto the NFL to wreak havoc.
Turn the page for a look at the process.