Former Bear Calls Khalil Mack the Best Chicago Defender in 30 Years

Few players knew how to start controversies more than the 1985 Bears. So many personalities on that team who weren't afraid to speak their mind. Most go to Jim McMahon or Steve McMichael for the real inflammatory comments as both were known for their rebellious nature. However, people often overlook Dan Hampton. He's not afraid to make bold statements, and he saved a huge one on new Chicago star Khalil Mack. Dan Pompei of The Athletic has heard a lot of the statements about this new Bears defense of late. Of how it might be as good as some of the all-time greats they've had in the past. Yes, even including the iconic '85 unit. So he got in contact with several of its alum to discuss the topic. Richard Dent, Otis Wilson, McMichael, and others have been impressed with them, believing they're still just scratching the surface of their potential. Hampton is also enamored with their talent. He loves what Eddie Jackson is becoming and believes Danny Trevathan is one of the most underrated defensive players in football. However, his boldest statement was saved for Mack whom he chose to call, without blinking, the best defensive player Chicago has had in 30 years.

Khalil Mack trumps Brian Urlacher as best Bears defender in modern era

Hampton, one of the greatest Bears of all time, told me he thinks Mack “is the best defensive player we’ve had in 30 years.” Let that settle in for a moment.

That might sound like big news to Brian Urlacher. You know? The guy who just went into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first ballot. An eight-time Pro Bowler, former Defensive Player of the Year and Bears icon. Hampton had no problem pushing his accomplishments to the side in favor of Mack. How could he do that? There might be a few reasons. Hampton played with Mike Singletary, so his opinion of Urlacher might have a ceiling. As in he's good but he wasn't Mike. Then there's the fact that he's a defensive lineman. It's only natural he'd favor a superstar who plays a position he used to during his era.

Mack's impact in the past four games is impossible to ignore.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-RPgZi9O9A He has five sacks, four forced fumbles, and an interception. The Bears defense, which was good last year, has suddenly jumped into the conversation of being the best in the NFL. That's all because of his arrival. Signs are pointing towards this man being a Hall of Fame player as well and one of the best pass rushers in NFL history. Hampton, like many these days, puts a far greater importance on attacking the quarterback than patrolling the middle of the field in coverage or against the run. Hard as it may be to admit, he's not entirely wrong. At the same time, it might be a bit premature to call Mack the best Bears defense in 30 years. There's lots of proving still to do.