LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- Upon arrival to the Bears, newly minted to a record contract, star outside linebacker Khalil Mack set some simple goals. One aspiration stood out above the rest.
"Ultimately, you want to come in and win," Mack said Friday. "That's all I care about.
"To win in the playoffs is going to be another step we can take. I'm looking forward to it."
The Bears traded a haul to the Raiders in exchange for Mack, whom they signed to a six-year, $141-million deal that guaranteed $90 million. They did it with the hopes that Mack could help transform their defense. That goal was accomplished, as Chicago finished the regular season ranked first in many significant defensive categories.
Now here come the Bears (12-4) and their vaunted defense charging into the playoffs, starting when they host the defending champion Eagles (9-7) on Sunday at 3:40 p.m. at Soldier Field. It's the first of what the Bears hope are many challenges ahead.
This Bears finished first in scoring defense, (17.7 points), takeaways (36), rushing defense (80.0 yards), quarterback rating against (72.9) and defensive touchdowns (6). The defense features three players who received All-Pro honors Friday in Mack, cornerback Kyle Fuller and safety Eddie Jackson.
After garnering respect during the regular season, the Bears know the dominance of their defense won't be remembered without a strong performance in the postseason.
"It would do everything to cement this defense," Pro Bowl defensive lineman Akiem Hicks said. "The regular season is fine and dandy -- taking care of business, being 12-4 is a phenomenal thing and a phenomenal turnaround for this team. But it doesn't mean anything if you don't play well in the playoffs. Everybody will forget how good we were in the regular season. You got to capitalize on this moment.
"We earned it. We fought for every piece of what we have today, and we're not going to give it up easy."
The Eagles present a great challenge to the Bears, led by quarterback Nick Foles and a cast of playmakers. But it's nothing the Bears haven't seen before and surely wouldn't be the last tough test this postseason should Chicago advance. The high-scoring Saints and Rams loom after earning first-round byes.
What has been clear is that the Bears aren't just happy to be in the postseason after earning their first berth in eight years. Despite going 14-34 the last three seasons, a 12-win turnaround season isn't enough in their mind.
Players like Mack believed the Bears could accomplish what they have to date, and they also feel there's a lot more ahead.
"That's the only thing on my mind," Mack said. "You could feel it around the building. That's the only thing on everybody else's mind. You could see the individual awards, but ultimately you want to win the big game. And this next game is gonna be a big game for us.
"That's what it's all about. That's the type of person you are. That's what you work for. You live for these types of moments. You live for these games.
"This is a team game and you want to win. That's what it's all about for me."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
