Chicago Bears: 3 Winners from Week 1 versus Rams

Chicago Bears Winner No. 2: Akiem Hicks

Although it was a terrible night for the Bears’ defense, you can always count on the energy that Akiem Hicks will bring. He gives every play his all and really is one of the best interior pass rushers in the league. Although he does not put up the best numbers in the league, you can tell he can win almost any one-on-one matchup against an offensive lineman.

The Rams did a good job in pass protection and were able to keep the Bears tandem of Hicks and Khalil Mack rather quiet tonight. Still, Akiem Hicks stood out among the group, especially since he was tasked with rotating between nose tackle and defensive end with Eddie Goldman out. While it was not a career game by any means, Hicks gets deemed a winner because he was rumored to be a potential cut candidate early in the offseason to save money, but here he is easily outperforming his teammates.

Hicks’ presence on the defensive front provides his teammates with energy and passion to play hard. The Bears looked good stopping the run through the first three quarters. In the later parts of the game, the Rams were able to get it going on the ground, but Hicks played a big role in the early run-stopping success. If he is not double-teamed or helped on, he is going to get past his blocker with ease.

Akiem Hicks is a true leader on and off the field and I am super happy he is still on the team. After one of the worst defensive performances the Chicago Bears have had in a while, Hicks played well enough and brought the energy we know he always brings.