NEWSLETTER
A ferocious Chicago Bears defense dodged a bullet when Akiem Hicks wasn’t suspended after making contact with an official and subsequently ejected during the team’s Week 4 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With the past being just that, Hicks is ready to move on and return to what he knows best:
Akiem Hicks on his mindset this week after not getting suspended and being able to play against the Dolphins:
“Destroy. Destroy everything."
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) October 11, 2018
Isn’t this what the Monsters of the Midway defense is supposed to do? Especially during the Halloween month? Destroy. Everything.
Hicks has been wrecking opposing offenses since arriving in 2016, but has found a different gear this season. Pro Football Focus grades Hicks as football’s third best interior defensive lineman, with a grade of 90.8 that has him in elite company. Of the five interior defenders with overall grades of 90 or better, Hicks’ 154 total snaps is by far the fewest. That’s how dominant he has been in a smaller sample (at least when compared to his peers in the top-5).
But before the destruction can begin, Hicks addressed his teammates regarding the incident that could have led to a suspension. Hicks told reporters it was a “humbling” experience, via Chris Emma of 670 The Score. So much so, Hicks was compelled to speak up and share his thoughts and perspective with his teammates because he wanted others to learn from this teachable moment.
Apologies are never easy, but with this one out of the way, Hicks and the Bears can officially move on to the important business of dismantling the Dolphins on Sunday. Giddy up.
