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Why the Chargers Are Motivated to Get Khalil Mack His 1st Playoff Win

FTP WC

Khalil Mack has been around long enough to know Saturday's playoff game in Houston is an opportunity that doesn't come often.

"This is by any means necessary," Mack said Wednesday.

As the Bolts continue to prepare for the Texans, Mack seems as motivated as ever. He's coming off another strong season but has his eyes forward on an opportunity to make the playoff run he's alluded to throughout his time in the powder blue.

And Saturday presents the 11-year veteran with a chance to capture something he hasn't before in his Hall of Fame career — his first win.

"It's all been first-round exits," Mack said. "That's a sour taste."

He later added: "You don't want to be in those shoes and those situations. Just make the most of your opportunities and giving it your all and not think about tomorrow."

Mack is slated to play in just his fifth postseason game in what has been a decorated career.

With his fifth playoff game on deck, the future Hall of Fame has echoed the sense of urgency required in every trip to the postseason.

Check out the best photos from Wednesday's practice of Wild Card Weekend as the Bolts gear up for their matchup against the Texans. Stay updated with the latest injury report as the team strategizes for the week ahead.

It's why Mack's message to the team heading into Saturday is simple: do whatever it takes to secure the W.

"Whatever you can do to win, do it," Mack said. "Whether it's studying film, making sure your body is squared away and then when the moment comes, just making sure you're ready for it.

"We prepare for it all year long, but the focus goes up a little bit more," Mack added. "The level of detail goes up a lot more. Just making sure you prepare mentally and physically."

Mack's approach to this week doesn't change, but those around the team can tell the level has heightened — as it does for everyone.

"I wouldn't say [his approach is] different, but I just naturally think that the intensity from everybody almost ratches up a little bit in the playoffs," Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter said. "It's human nature."

And the same can be said for his teammates around him, who go into Saturday with some added motivation to get a win right alongside him.

"He's someone I think about all the time … that's a motivating factor," tackle Rashawn Slater said.

For those who have been around Mack during his time with the Chargers, they've had a chance to see the amount of work he's done on and off the field.

It's why he's become one of the unquestioned leaders of the team. And it's why Saturday means that much more to them.

"He's probably one of my best friends, so he's definitely somebody I want to win for," Fox said. "Just seeing the work he puts in, how he pours into the young guys, how he pours into the team, it's one your teammates that you definitely want to win for."

Safety Alohi Gilman added: "The more that I've played ball, the more that I've had more respect for guys like that and wanting to win these games for him. He's a role model in every way, he's a Hall of Famer. Just an honor to play with him and play another playoff game with him. It means the most."

Long snapper Josh Harris added: "Would love to be able to get it done for everybody, but especially a guy like him."

Check out the best photos from the first practice of Wild Card Weekend as the Bolts gear up for their matchup against the Texans. Stay updated with the latest injury report as the team strategizes for the week ahead.

Even those who just joined the Bolts this season echoed a similar sentiment.

With the amount of veterans on the squad, Mack included, it's at the front of everyone's minds heading into Saturday.

"We definitely have to, we need to," Bud Dupree said. "Hall of Fame player like him, the amount of work he's put in not just for himself but for the NFL, for the younger guys, the guys who play edge to sit back and watch a guy like him work.

"It's definitely one of those moments when knowing that now, it makes that playoff win that much more personal," Dupree added.

"We want to get him a ring," Jefferson said. "We want to make sure we're winning… Coaches, teammates, we all want it. Shoot, old guys like me, K-Mack, it's definitely on the forefront of our minds."

It's another shot at the postseason, and Mack and the team are ready to take it up another level.

"By any means necessary… that's the approach," Mack said.

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