Raise your hand if you envisioned Virginia McCaskey as the motivational factor behind the Bears’ early season success. OK, hands down. Oh, there are no hands in the air. Well, you’re all wrong! At least according to defensive end Akiem Hicks, who recently revealed that the Bears’ matriarch, Virginia McCaskey, made some comments that really resonated with the defense – and team – at large:
Bears DE Akiem Hicks revealed today that principal owner Virginia McCaskey addressed the team earlier this year and said, "The teams that won a lot of games around here were the ones that were most confident." Hicks says her comments resonated with them.
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) September 25, 2018
It’s quite clear that the Bears defense has taken Mrs. McCaskey’s words to heart, given the way they’ve been on the attack since Week 1 of the 2018 season.
The Bears defense has been playing with unrivaled swagger to start the year, and it’s been an absolute joy to watch. This is a group that ranks fifth in total yardage and eighth in scoring defense, which is a slight improvement over the top-10 showing in both categories last year. Indeed, the 2018 Bears are off to a hot start leading the league in sacks while also stuffing the run with excellence (second fewest rushing yards allowed) and on the cusp of the top 10 in defending the pass (11th fewest passing yards) through three games.
Obviously, adding Khalil Mack to the squad is going to put a little extra pep in everyone’s step. And we’ve already discussed how much better he makes his teammates around him. But there are a lot of reasons the Bears defense should be playing confidently, and that’s just what they’re doing.
But now I have a new question, and it’s extremely important … How long until Mrs. McCaskey addresses the offensive side of the ball? They can use it. And, I mean, just look at her … doesn’t she just fire you right up?