5 Chicago Bears impacted most by Akiem Hicks injury

2. Eddie Jackson

Again, this will impact the entire defense. Hicks is a superb run defender, and that is where many recognize his skills. However, he has 23 sacks in the past three seasons, averaging almost eight per year. That is not the sack production of a pure run defender.

Hicks holds his ground, takes up double teams, and gets up-field to make life hectic on the passer. Eddie Jackson benefits from Akiem Hicks in a variety of ways.

Jackson likes to take his calculated chances. He has a great understanding of the rest of the defense, and where they are, and it allows him to step out of his boundary to try to make a play. This is what makes his value so high.

However, Jackson was always operating on the idea that pressure from Hicks was coming. He was able to capitalize on quarterbacks under duress. If the pass rush does not come at the same speed, can Jackson make the same plays? Could the gambling turn into big plays with the quarterback feeling more comfortable? Will he get more conservative? This is all on the table moving forward.