It isn't a secret that Akiem Hicks is one of the best players the Chicago Bears have. He's also one of their best leaders and an outright character. One of those guys who fills up a room when he walks in, literally and figuratively. A man who is always good for a soundbyte on or off the field. It is fun to imagine what he might be light behind the scenes in the locker room.
For the first time Bears fans got a taste of that, and it was delicious. The second episode of "1920 Football Drive" debuted on YouTube on Friday. It features lots of interesting moments. Easily one of the most entertaining was when position coach Jay Rodgers conducted a film session with his defensive line group. Hicks took a spot near the back and didn't waste time talking it up.
When Rodgers turned to him for answer about what he was supposed to do on a given play, the Pro Bowler had loads of comments. All of them entertaining. The man is a born showman.
Akiem Hicks being back will be a boon for the defense
Even though the Bears defense was still good in 2019, most of them will admit their play was not up to their own standards. A big reason for why was the absence of Hicks. His energy and dominance in the trenches were sorely missed after he suffered his elbow injury in London. It just felt like the defense lost a gear when he left the lineup, which shouldn't be a big surprise.
He's back now though. The energy has returned and his teammates are carrying themselves with that familiar swagger. Hopefully everyone can stay healthy this season. If so, it feels like there is enough talent for this unit to match what they accomplished in 2018. Hicks sounds like he's ready to get after it.
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