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Oakland Raiders: Three Bold Player Predictions for the 2016 Season

By Nick Hjeltness

Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) reacts to a penalty against the Raiders during action against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) reacts to a penalty against the Raiders during action against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Khalil Mack Breaks the Single-Season Sack Record

December 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Last year in a similar column, I predicted that Khalil Mack will lead the NFL in sacks. And while he didn’t quite get there, his 15 sack breakout season was a big-time accomplishment, which was good for second place.

This year, I’m raising the bar, because I fully expect Mack to do the same thing. He is going to break Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record of 22.5.

The first eight games of 2015, Mack only registed four sacks. In the final eight games, he totaled eleven sacks — so if he can maintain that game pace, that puts him at 22.

He only would need one more sack to break the record, and there are a few reasons why he can do it.

For one, he’ll be better, no question. And reason number two is because he’ll have more help, with Bruce Irvin on the other side for the full year, and when Aldon Smith returns. Reason number three is because the secondary is better, and will be able to cover wide receivers for longer, giving Mack more time to get after the quarterback.

Plus, just look at the guy. I rest my case.

Next: Raiders Bold Predictions #2: Amari Cooper

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