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Why Edge Rusher Khalil Mack Isn’t Dominanting

By Carl Cockerham

Aug 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) attempts to rush past Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) in the second quarter at Oakland Alameda Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) attempts to rush past Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) in the second quarter at Oakland Alameda Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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August 30, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (74) blocks Oakland Raiders defensive end Mario Jr. Edwards (97) during the fourth quarter in a preseason NFL football game at O.co Coliseum. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 30, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (74) blocks Oakland Raiders defensive end Mario Jr. Edwards (97) during the fourth quarter in a preseason NFL football game at O.co Coliseum. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Mario Edwards Jr.

A big part of why Mack isn’t producing on the level he’s capable of is Mario Edwards is out. He won’t be back for at least another three weeks as he’s on IR/Designated to return with a hip injury. Even Taylor himself had Leonard Marshall inside of him at 3-4 end.

Doesn’t make the biggest statistical impact on the for but he makes a huge impact on Mack. There is a direct correlation between Mack’s production and Edwards’ presence. Last year, Edwards dominated inside from the fifth game of the season to the 14th.

And during that 10-game stretch, Mack had 12 sacks and hasn’t sacked the quarterbacks without him since. Edwards is too strong for tackles and too quick for guards so opposing offenses must game-plan for him. And game-planning for him means they can’t triple-team Mack.

Opposing teams have the guard waiting for him the inside of the tackle and a running back outside. That leaves the center and the opposite guard to block the two inside guys one on one. But when Edwards is in the game, opposing teams can’t do that.

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