We were rooting for someone wearing those bright orange uniforms to have a statement game in front of a nationally televised audience last night. And that someone turned out to be Akiem Hicks … and Khalil Mack … and Eddie Jackson.
Three members of a star-studded Chicago Bears defense earned spots on Pro Football Focus’ Team of the Week. And while it would have been nice for the quarterback shine brightly on the big stage, it’s actually fitting that it was the defense – which has long been the calling card of Chicago Bears football – doing the heavy lifting and getting the praise.
Akiem Hicks was arguably the most un-blockable force in Sunday’s Bears win, which says a lot considering Mack was wrecking things from the word go. You couldn’t watch last night’s game without noticing Hicks discard blockers left and right and stop ball carriers in the backfield before things could even get started. And all in all, he collected five tackles-for-loss as part of a six-tackle performance. Of course, to add a little diversity to his portfolio, Hicks hassled Kirk Cousins incessantly, coming away with a sack, two quarterback hits, and four hurries in 40 pass-rushing snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
Meanwhile, Khalil Mack was doing Khalil Mack things, picking up two tackles-for-loss, a sack, two QB hits, three hurries, a defensive stop, a pass defended, forced fumble and recovery. He also came away with one offensive lineman pushed around like someone who owed you milk money, though that’s not an official statistic – yet.
Khalil Mack does not need both of his arms to destroy you. pic.twitter.com/9iTPEptYSy
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) November 19, 2018
With Mack and Hicks shredding things up front, it left Bears defensive backs free to make plays and they did just that. Safety Eddie Jackson joined his defensive teammates on PFF’s Week 11 all-star squad. Jackson’s pick-six was the highlight of a game in which he earned a 93.0 overall grade.
The Bears put together a top-10 scoring and yardage defense last year, but teams that endure double-digit loss seasons don’t tend to get the pub they deserve – even if their play merits it. But now that the Bears are good, expect to see more weekly takeovers of “best performers” lists moving forward.