ALAMEDA -– Khalil Mack got his first professional sack in Sunday’s loss to the San Diego Chargers, and he’s been ducking the media ever since. The Raiders outside linebacker did think it right to celebrate personal accomplishments with his team struggled to get a win.
Mack said as much on Wednesday afternoon, when he stopped for a brief chat on the eve of Thursday night’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Mack was happy to get a sack after going nine games without one, but the final score mattered far more.
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“It was a relief in a sense, but you want to win the game,” Mack said. “That’s what the game is all about, winning.”
The Raiders have a better chance of winning with Mack at his best. The No. 5 overall pick has 56 tackles, 12 for a loss, a sack and a forced fumble. He’s become a dominant run defender, and his pass rushing has improved with quicker reaction at the snap.
The Raiders’ 0-10 record weighs heavy on Mack, but it hasn’t worn him out. He feels fresh and ready to help this team earn its first win over the next six games.
“This is my job. I love it,” Mack said. “There are six more, so you can’t compare it to college. This is the best job in the world. I love it. I love it. I’m looking forward to it every week.”