Both individually and with the Oakland Raiders as a team, outside linebacker Khalil Mack had a great year. After finishing his rookie year with just four sacks, he jumped up to 15 sacks in 2015. His Raiders finished the season 7-9, winning more than twice the amount of games they won in 2015.
Remember, these are the same Raiders that have lost at least 12 games in 3-straight seasons. So in 2015, Mack’s big jump helped his Raiders make the big jump into becoming a watchable team. As a matter of fact, they have become exciting, showing much promise going into the future.
The Raiders didn’t make the playoffs this year but this was a great year when put in the proper perspective. On the other hand, this has been just as disappointing a year as it has been a great one. The Raiders, while beating some teams no one thought they had a chance to beat, also let a few get away.
They could have very well been 10-6 and getting ready for the playoffs next week with a break here and there. Mack definitely did his part for the Silver and Black with a big year here in 2015. His 15 sacks this year will send him to the Pro Bowl and along with his coverage skills and ability to stop the run, establish him as a dominant defensive player.
The disappointing part of Mack’s year is that he was stuck on 15 sacks for the last two games, allowing Houston Texans DL J.J. Watt to pass him for the sack title. Losing DL Mario Edwards Jr. for the last couple of games had much to do with Mack’s dip in production. Either way, Mack and his Raiders go into this offseason disappointed after making great strides in 2015.