5 Chicago Bears impacted most by Akiem Hicks injury
1. Khalil Mack
Not many fans are going to be worried about Mack, and they shouldn’t be. Mack is going to be just fine without Hicks. However, this is less about Mack struggling and more about the overall ceiling of this team.
Do you know what is better than Khalil Mack rushing the passer? Mack and Hicks on the same side, forcing lineman to choose their fate. Mack and Hicks typically lined up on the right side together where they harassed right tackles and guards. This made it tougher to double team either.
On top of that, Chuck Pagano has moved his defensive line around more than Vic Fangio ever did. Mack will line up all over the line, and so will Hicks. They can double team weak spots of the line, or spread apart and pick their spots.
Next. 5 Saints that must be accounted for. dark
The overall versatility of the line is less dynamic because of Hicks. So yes, Mack will be fine. However, the ceiling of the best defensive line, and an unstoppable force heading into the playoffs has to be lowered a bit.