No team traveled a crazier route to 3-0 this season than the Chicago Bears. A route that included not one but two double-digit 4th quarter comebacks. Not to mention a goal-to-go stand against the New York Giants sandwiched between them. In order to pull something like that off, the Bears will have needed big performances in big moments.
So here’s an interesting question. Who has been the most clutch player on this team during that stretch?
There are a number of candidates. Most would probably look to Anthony Miller. He has two game-winning touchdown catches after all. Or perhaps it’s David Montgomery with his hard running late in games to kill the clock. Maybe Nick Foles and Mitch Trubisky can share the spotlight thanks to their comeback efforts?
No. The most clutch player of the season so far is none of those guys. In fact, he doesn’t even play offense. The true hero of 2020 is Akiem Hicks.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Chicago Bears should be grateful for Akiem Hicks
The Bears really, really missed Hicks last season. He is gas for their engine. As he goes, the Bears defense goes. The man never gets the respect he deserves. Now he’s off to the best start of his career. He has 3.5 sacks to start the season, putting him on pace for 18. Yet that isn’t what stands out the most. It’s when he has delivered these sacks.
Sack #1 – Drops Stafford to help force long FG
Trailing by 10 with under seven minutes left, the Bears defense desperately needed a stop. Detroit was marching again and had 2nd and 8 at the Chicago 33-yard line. Matthew Stafford rolled out looking for a receiver when Hicks came burst through to drop him for a nine-yard loss. This put the Lions into a 3rd and 17 situation. They failed to convert and were forced to attempt a 55-yard field goal. It sailed wide right.
Sack #2 – Killed Giants first drive of second half
After falling behind 17-0 in the first half, New York looked like they might have something going to start the second. They reached their own 47-yard line and faced a manageable 3rd and 5. Then Hicks muscled through for a big sack to force a punt. While nobody knew it at the time, that play chewed almost three precious minutes off the clock. Minutes that came back to haunt the Giants at the end of the game.
Sack #3 – Joined Khalil Mack in stopping Falcons at the goal line
Bend but don’t break isn’t the best strategy for NFL defenses but it can be an invaluable one. The Bears proved that early in Atlanta. Facing 3rd and goal from the 4-yard line, the Falcons were on the cusp of going up 13-3. Hicks, true to form, collapsed the pocket along with Mack to drop Matt Ryan to force a field goal attempt. Considering the Bears ended up winning 30-26, the lost four points proved rather crucial.
Sack #4 – Bulldozed guard to force another missed FG
Not only was the play itself impressive. The timing was positively crucial. The Bears offense had just gone 3-and-out. They desperately needed a stand on defense with to have any hope of a comeback. Facing 3rd and 7 deep in their own territory again, Hicks powered through the Falcons’ right guard and literally reached around him to sack Ryan and forced a field goal attempt. The 48-yard kick missed. On the next series, despite not scoring, the Bears offense seemed to find its groove.
Guys like Foles, Miller, and Montgomery get all the attention on offense. Make no mistake though. The Chicago Bears could very well be 0-3 to start this season if not for Hicks.
