NEWSLETTER
Akiem Hicks continues to earn that well-earned payraise and extension with stout play along the defensive line, and his latest effort earned him a spot among Pro Football Focus’ top performers in Week 5.
A 1-3 start by the Chicago Bears wasn’t going to lead to many candidates being worthy of inclusion on PFF’s Team of the Week, but Hicks played well enough to be named to Week 5’s squad. Hicks joined Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams as interior defenders on this week’s installment by picking up an 89.5 grade that was the second best among players at the position during the week’s contests.
Donald, one of the league’s elite defensive players, was handed a 94.6 grade as he recorded a whopping 10 pressures against the Seahawks. It’s safe to say Hicks is in good company whenever he is named along side the likes of Donald, especially after a performance like that.
PFF notes Hicks had four total pressures and two defensive stops against Minnesota. He also finished with two sacks and two hurries when rushing the passer. Even though the Vikings were able to get their running game going late, Hicks still turned in a 94.1 run defense grade behind the strength of three solo run stops and several other disruptions in the backfield.
Hicks’ performance on Monday Night Football raised his PFF grade to a team-best 84.3.
It was an all-around strong effort from Hicks, which was desperately needed as defensive standouts continue to drop to the injury report at an alarming rate.
