Khalil Mack is on the warpath.
The Oakland Raiders' destructive edge rusher dominated the Carolina Panthers offensive line in Sunday's 35-32 win.
"He's in a class of his own," Derek Carr said, via CSN Bay Area. "I'm not saying he's better than anybody, though I think he is. I think he is the best football player I've ever played with and seen. I think he's done things that no one has ever seen before. I don't want to put him in a box. The sky's the limit for him."
Mack is firmly in the Defensive Player of the Year race with Von Miller, Aaron Donald and Landon Collins.
On Sunday, Mack compiled 1.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 INT returned for a TD. He's the first player since 2009 to complete quad-complishment. The last player was Charles Woodson, with the Green Bay Packers versus the Detroit Lions.
"That's great company right there," Mack said. "C-Wood, that's my big bro. We talk all the time. He tells me, 'It's time for you to take over games.' Fortunately, I was in position to do a little bit of that today."
Mack took over early Sunday. His first career interception for a touchdown gave the Raiders a 24-7 lead before halftime. His strip sack of Cam Newton ended the game after the Panthers rallied.
The Raiders sit at 9-2 with a defense that is playing improved football the last five games -- allowing almost 120 fewer yards per game than the first six contests.
Mack has keyed the stiffening defense. The edge rusher has earned 8.0 sacks, 13 QB hits and 3 fumbles forced in his last six games.
With Derek Carr leading an explosive offense and Mack terrorizing quarterbacks, the Raiders have the formula to make noise deep into January.
