Oakland Raiders Week 3: Pressures, Hurries, Knockdowns

Knockdowns

Khalil Mack will win DPOY

It’s still possible, nobody is running away with it yet this year. J.J. Watt has looked somewhat human, Tyrann Mathieu is still not 100 percent and Eric Kendricks gets no real love.

So yes, with Mack’s reputation, cache, and talent, it is still possible. But few DPOY’s have done absolutely nothing and been the leaders of a historically bad defense through two games.

That’s where Mack sits right now. He has no sacks this season, only two QB hits, and has been frequently sealed on the edge in the run game. It’s nothing physical — have you seen his SI cover? Mack is a physical freak who works out harder than pretty much anyone.

Perhaps the pressure is getting to him, all the hype of the offseason. Some people were saying he’s better than Von Miller because of his run-stopping ability. I was one of those people. Doesn’t look to be the case right now.

It’s two games in, and the Saints and Falcons both double and triple teamed Mack, chipped him, held him, and made sure he did nothing. He was their focus. But so is Watt, every week. So are many other stalwarts, and they still make plays.

Mack is too good to stay quiet for long, and I’ll state flat out I love the guy. He’s one of my favorite players. But he can’t get a pass for his poor performance thus far, particularly when the offense is doing their part and Carr making good on his previous promise.

If Mack doesn’t disrupt at least one or two plays this weekend, it’ll be another long day for this defense. And if he doesn’t start making plays frequently — and big plays — his reputation won’t win him the DPOY.