Akiem Hicks dominates Falcons former 1st rounder

The Chicago Bears pass rush dominated the Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons invested a lot in their offensive line. While it is unfortunate they were unable to play Kaleb McGary, their former first-round pick, the rest of the line had first-rounders across the other four.

That includes Chris Lindstrom, a top 15 pick entering year two. Lindstrom is expected to impact the line, but it did not show in a tough matchup against Akiem Hicks. Check out the pressure report

Akiem Hicks

Hicks totaled seven pressures, according to PFF. He had two sacks, three hits, and two hurries to go with four run-stops. It was an all-out beat down of a highly regarded draft pick. In his pass rush attempts, Hicks was 3.85 yards away from the QB on average, which is below the league average of 4.51. He was dominant.

Khalil Mack

Mack drew Matt Gono, with McGary on the sideline due to injury. Gono was fine against Dallas, but we saw why he was a backup against Khalil Mack. Mack dominated him, and if holding were being called at a regular rate, he would have ended multiple drives with penalties forced. Still, he finished with five pressures, one sack and another hit, and three overall hurries of the QB. According to NextGen, he was 3.95 yards away from the QB on average.

Bilal Nichols

Nichols run defense has not had the same impact as Eddie Goldman. However, he does get more pressure. He finished with two pressures, seeing a lot of Alex Mack in this game. Nichols also tipped a ball at the line.

Roy Robertson-Harris, Mario Edwards, Robert Quinn, James Vaughters, Barkevious Mingo

None of these four see a full workload, but only RRH and Edwards produced pressure in this game. The Bears were relying on Hick and Mack to get the big plays.

However, it is worth noting that NextGen Stats had had RRH at 3.33 seconds to the QB on average, which was the best on the team.

2020 season totals

Khalil Mack – 17 pressures, 2 sack

Akiem Hicks – 13 pressures, 4 sacks

Roy Robertson-Harris 6 pressures,

Barkevious Mingo – 5 pressures, 1 sack

Bilal Nichols – 6 pressures

Robert Quinn – 2 pressures, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble

Mario Edwards – 2 pressure

James Vaughters -1 pressure

John Jenkins – 1 pressure