5 Underrated Performances from Bears’ Blowout
2. Bilal Nichols
Shortly after Akiem Hicks was ejected from the game, my focus was on the door it could open up for rookie defensive end, Bilal Nichols. Nichols finished the game tied for second most tackles on the team and also added 0.5 sack, one QB hit, and two tackles for loss. The Delaware product was everywhere.
A downplayed narrative is just how good Ryan Pace is at finding talent late in the draft, and Bilal Nichols’ productivity only strengthens that notion. His tackle for loss in the Arizona game was a game-saving play. His explosive tackle against the Buccaneers as he timed his way past the offensive line was the combination of unique athleticism and intense film study.
Fun Fact: In his limited role, #Bears Bilal Nichols has a PFF Grade of 86.9 which is good for second-best on the team. Akiem Hicks is first with 90.8 and Eddie Goldman is third with a grade of 82.1.
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) October 1, 2018
The Bears are going to have a dominant front seven for years to come and part of that is because of the potential of Bilal Nichols.