[jwplayer DAaKdsxo-ThvAeFxT]
It’s crazy that we’re still having this conversation about how Chicago Bears defensive tackle Akiem Hicks is one of the most underrated defensive players in the NFL.
Because what Hicks has proven over the last few seasons with the Bears is that not only is he essential to the success of this defense up front, but he’s one of the best in the entire league.
Luckily we’re not alone in appreciating just how dominant a football player that Hicks is. Touchdown Wire, like us, is wondering how Hicks continues to be under-appreciated in this league. But they’re going to keep going to bat for him, as evidenced by his standing on TD Wire’s list of the NFL’s most underrated defensive players.
Through his time with the Saints, Patriots, and Bears, Hicks has been one of the league’s perpetually underrated players, and it makes no sense — both in his absence and with his presence, Hicks has proven over and over to be a true game-changer. Last season, Hicks missed all but five games with injuries, and gutted it out when he could. Without him, the Bears ranked 17th in Football Outsiders’ Adjusted Line Yards metric, and 22nd in Adjusted Sack Rate.
In 2020, Chicago ranks 15th in ALY, and 14th in ASR. This is not a coincidence. Last season, even the great Khalil Mack struggled to beat blocking matchups without Hicks, and now, things are better. Not that Hicks is just a guy who stops blockers up for the benefit of others — this season, he has 3.5 sacks and 28 total pressures, good for fifth in the league among interior defensive linemen, and his 17 stops also ranks fifth. Maybe someday, Hicks will get the credit he deserves. We’ll keep trying to help…
Hicks’ presence this season on the defensive line has made all of the difference, even as the Bears defense struggles in defending the run without nose tackle Eddie Goldman. Hicks is one of the NFL’s best interior pass rushers, and his 3.5 sacks this season ranks only behind outside linebacker Khalil Mack in Chicago.
While Hicks has been one of the league’s most penalized defensive players this season, there’s no matching his intensity and the impact that he’s had on this Bears defense in the last five seasons.