Bears LB Khalil Mack torments Aaron Rodgers, Packers in debut

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Chicago Bears outside linebacker Khalil Mack was worth every penny of the $90 million guaranteed he signed for with Chicago during the first half of Sunday night's season opener at Green Bay.

Mack, who entered the 24-23 loss early in the first quarter, was involved in three game-altering plays that helped the Bears open a 17-0 lead at halftime.

"You prepare all offseason for the first game of the season, so I wanted to come back and make an impact, but you want to win these games," Mack said. "That is the only thing on my mind. I hate losing."

A former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Mack was at times unblockable, tormenting Green Bay quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and DeShone Kizer.

"I was pretty confident the Packers would have a hard time blocking him," Bears defensive lineman Akiem Hicks said.

At the 9:22 mark of the second quarter, Mack and Bears defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris broke through the Packers' offensive line and forced Rodgers to the ground. Robertson-Harris was credited with the sack, and the play resulted in Rodgers leaving the game with a knee injury. Rodgers later returned to start the second half.

Later in the first half, with Green Bay's offense picking up a little momentum behind backup quarterback Kizer, Mack registered a sack, forced fumble and fumble recovery -- all on the same play -- to thwart a Packers drive that had reached the Bears' 9-yard line.

With 50 seconds left before halftime, Mack intercepted a Kizer pass and returned it 27 yards for a touchdown.

Mack was officially credited with three total tackles and one additional quarterback hurry.

The Bears acquired Mack, 27, a 2020 second-round pick, and a 2020 conditional draft choice from the Oakland Raiders in exchange for two first-round picks, a 2020 third-round selection and a 2019 sixth-round pick.

Upon completing the deal, the Bears promptly signed Mack to a record six-year, $141 million contract.

"I love the game," Mack said. "When you love it, it's easy [to get ready to play without training camp or preseason]. That is really what it comes down to."