Khalil Mack drawing comparisons to Lawrence Taylor

Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack (52) forces a fumble by Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) in a NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Browns 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Dominant performance

In the 3-4, you can’t double-team Mack on the edge because the defensive end is right side of him and the center has a man over him. They also don’t know when he’s rushing and when he’s dropping so the Cleveland Browns can’t scheme against him. And just-before-the-season acquisition Aldon Smith is able to play a whole game now.

So when the Raiders send both of them off the edge, it’s an opportunity to go one-on-one with offensive lineman. And against the run, Mack consistently jacks tight ends up so that would make it hard to run his way. Plus he’s a natural 3-4 outside linebacker as that’s what he played in college to become a pro prospect.

And that’s exactly how it played out against the Browns as Mack was dominant, showing his all-around game. Statistically, Mack had four tackles, two for losses, two sacks, two quarterback hits and a forced fumble. That was a Taylor-like performance that was missing only an interception but the Browns didn’t throw at him.

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