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Chicago Bears: Akiem Hicks return comes at perfect time

By Parker Hurley

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 17: Akiem Hicks #96 of the Chicago Bears participates in warm-ups before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field on September 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Seahawks 24-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 17: Akiem Hicks #96 of the Chicago Bears participates in warm-ups before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field on September 17, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Seahawks 24-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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When the Chicago Bears defense seemed to be hanging on by a thread, they get much-needed relief in Akiem Hicks

The Chicago Bears’ struggles in 2019 have mainly come on the offensive side of the ball. However, their defense has been banged up and beaten this season as well. Losing Akiem Hicks early in the season had its effects, and the defense was clearly a worse unit with him off of the field.

However, they still held up as a top ten unit overall throughout the year. Still, as the year has moved on, names have joined Hicks on the injury report.

Danny Trevathan has been out for four weeks and may not return soon. Prince Amukamara missed week 14, and Roquan Smith was declared out for the year this week as well.

The defense only saw a slight decline in numbers, but they were also aided by Jeff Driskel, David Blough and Daniel Jones.

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They held up against the run, but with all of the moving pieces, it was clear that Green Bay would immediately be testing that run defense.

Everyone looks at Aaron Rodgers, but it has been a two-headed punch of Aaron Jones and Jamal Williams that have made the offense tick. They currently rank fourth in the NFL in rushing efficiency.

The Bears rank 11th against the run, and that has Roquan Smith included. However, one thing we all know is that Akiem Hicks is arguably the best run defender in the NFL. He takes up blocks and gets into the backfield.

The Bears defense needed reinforcements and it looks like they are going to get that on Sunday. We will never get to see Hicks, Smith, Trevathan, and Amukamara with the defense firing on all cylinders this year. However, that unit kept them in it this year and will be the reason they have a shot against Green Bay on Sunday.

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