5 Things to Watch: Chicago Bears vs New England Patriots

Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
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4. Akiem Hicks, DE

Aug 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) passes over Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) passes over Chicago Bears defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Hicks was the toast of the town this week based on his performance at the joint practices. He has thoroughly impressed the Bears throughout OTAs and training camp, but he didn’t have much of an impact against the Broncos.

Hicks was an impact player during their scrimmages with the Patriots and appears ready to take his unique size and skill set to that next level of play this year. It doesn’t matter how great of a practice player you are if you aren’t making an impact during the games.

While preseason games are nothing more than glorified scrimmages, it would still be nice to see Hicks in the backfield pressuring quarterbacks and making some plays against the run as well. Keep an eye on Hicks and see if he can make a splash after a great week of practices.

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