VIDEO: Thread of Packers Players Getting Away With Holds on Khalil Mack is Absolutely Wild
By Jerry Trotta
Outside of Aaron Donald, Chicago Bears linebacker Khalil Mack is the most unstoppable force of nature on the defensive side of the ball in the NFL. When the four-time Pro Bowler has a full head of steam running at the quarterback, offensive linemen can't help but accept a holding penalty. After all, conceding 10 yards on a particular drive seems more logical than seeing your QB get tossed around like a rag doll in the backfield. And during Thursday night's clash between the Bears and Packers, Green Bay blockers did exactly that all game long. But there was only one problem (for the refs and Chicago): the holds weren't getting flagged!
#1: Billy Turner. Grabs a fistful of collar to prevent Mack from sliding right by him and taking down Rodgers. They got to him anyway, but this is a guaranteed Mack sack if he is not held. #Bears #GBvsCHI pic.twitter.com/IEcE2M30YB
— Jack Soble (@jacksobleTLS) September 9, 2019
So preventing a linebacker from moving forward by holding his arm back isn't a penalty? Got it.
#2: David Bakhtiari. This one needs no explanation.
— Jack Soble (@jacksobleTLS) September 9, 2019
I mean... c’mon. Mack is pissed at the end, and for good reason. #Bears #GBvsCHI pic.twitter.com/iIVTRqXyZW
Like Jack Soble claims, no explanation is needed for that one.
#3: Robert Tonyan. This is the most subtle of the holds, but he grabs the jersey. Flags have been thrown for less. #Bears #GBvsCHI pic.twitter.com/gkm82P30AP
— Jack Soble (@jacksobleTLS) September 9, 2019
Flags have been thrown for A LOT less.
#4: Bulaga again. Chokehold. No flag. #Bears #GBvsCHI pic.twitter.com/NQ0bFsFWDl
— Jack Soble (@jacksobleTLS) September 9, 2019
Even a chokehold almost wasn't enough to stop Mack from reaching Aaron Rodgers. Nonetheless, it's still a freaking penalty.
#5: Bulaga for a third time. Grabs the jersey on his outside shoulder pad and held onto his collar/shoulders in an attempt to bring him down for good measure. Mack beats him anyway. #Bears #GBvsCHI pic.twitter.com/PAS2FYZ5C4
— Jack Soble (@jacksobleTLS) September 9, 2019
The one ref literally couldn't have been better positioned to flag that one...
#6: Bulaga has a nice streak going. Another shoulder jersey grab, clearly restricts his movement. #Bears #GBvsCHI pic.twitter.com/3K4B9TF3bR
— Jack Soble (@jacksobleTLS) September 9, 2019
It's begging to be said, so we're going to do just that: Mack is living rent free in Bryan Bulaga's head. SHEESH.
#7: And finally, Brian f*cking Bulaga. He’s holding him the entire way. Mack looks back for a flag but of course he doesn’t get one. #Bears #GBvsCHI pic.twitter.com/Z9UTYAMqfU
— Jack Soble (@jacksobleTLS) September 9, 2019
We swear we don't have an agenda against Bulaga, but his miscalculations against Mack are begging to be publicized.
That last one makes a grand total of seven -- count 'em, seven -- missed holding calls against the Packers OL, proving once again that stats don't always tell the whole story.