The Chicago Bears defense was still one of the best units in the NFL last season. That said, it felt like they were never really operating at full capacity most of the way. That is because their leader and anchor Akiem Hicks went down early with an elbow injury. One that cost him most of the season. Getting him back at full strength is one thing that has a lot of fans excited about the 2020 season.
For his part, Hicks working hard to make sure he’s ready. He posted a video on Instagram of him weightlifting. What’s significant about it is this marks the first time he’s doing it without a brace on his surgically-repaired elbow. A surefire sign that he’s pretty much pain-free. Now it’s a matter of getting back to his customary level of strength.
Something Hicks seems anxious to do given his persistent barking through each rep. He sounds like a man hungry to resume swallowing quarterbacks.
Akiem Hicks is planning to be 100% ready
The thing is Hicks has reasons to be motivated. With the arrival of Robert Quinn in free agency, the Bears have the potential to field one of the best pass rushes in the NFL along with Khalil Mack. Hicks would be the major key thanks to his interior pressure wreaking havoc. Then there is the strong overtones from around the league that Chicago isn’t a team to be taken seriously.
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Belief is that due to continued offensive question marks, this team is not playoff material. Hicks, who always has his ears open on social media, no doubt is hearing the noise. Being the competitor he is, the man probably can’t wait to get out there and prove them all wrong. It will start on opening day in September in Detroit against the Lions.
