Viktor
Well-known member
- Mar 19, 2019
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The fifth-overall pick of 2014 ended Minnesota’s second possession of the game by forcing a fumble by Dalvin Cook and recovering it at the Chicago 15 to deny the Vikings an opportunity to take the lead or tie the game at three in the first quarter.
He also stole momentum on a drive in the third quarter, sacking Kirk Cousins a play after Minnesota had converted a fourth-and-1 to force a field goal.
Hicks has played seven games against the Vikings, including six since arriving in Chicago in 2016. He made his presence known on the third snap of last year’s contest at Soldier Field, stuffing a run for a loss of 1 on a third-and-1 to force a quick punt.
“He’s a power player, gets under your pads and drives,” Zimmer said. “He’s got great lower-body strength and is able to do that. For him, he’s a terrific push-the-pocket guy that can get off the block at the top of the rush and then get to the quarterback.”
Former Bears Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio was hired to be Denver’s head coach this offseason, and Chicago Head Coach Matt Nagy brought in Chuck Pagano, who has experience as a coordinator and head coach.
Zimmer said the Bears are “a little more aggressive this year than they have been in the past” and are implementing “a few more pressures on early downs.”
“It’s really the same every week; you’ve got to get the point of attack blocked, and then you’ve got to hope that you create some seams to cut the ball back,” Zimmer said. “But if you don’t do a good job at the point of attack, then you’re struggling the rest of the play.”