Great teams need a lot of good football players to have success in the NFL. However, the ones that have the most success tend to have that one pillar around which everything else spins. It’s Patrick Mahomes for the Chiefs. Aaron Rodgers for the Packers. Aaron Donald for the Rams. Lamar Jackson for the Ravens. These stars are the straws that stir the drink. If one were to look back on the most successful eras for the Chicago Bears, it was never hard to pick those guys out.
In the 1980s it was Walter Payton, their iconic running back and locker room heartbeat. In the 2000s it was Brian Urlacher, the freakish middle linebacker who was equal parts athlete and intelligent. It always felt like the Bears had a chance to win because those guys were on the field. They gave the team an identity.
This led to a tough question. Who, if anybody, is that face of this latest incarnation of the Bears?
These Chicago Bears don’t lack leaders but do lack a face
For a time it looked like quarterback Mitch Trubisky was poised to assume that mantle. By the end of 2018, the young quarterback had reached a Pro Bowl and gotten his team to a division title. Then 2019 happened and he has since slid out of the picture. This makes it tougher to determine exactly who qualifies. Who is a great player, a great leader, and somebody who impacts how the team performs when on or off the field?
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Khalil Mack?
He would probably be the obvious choice to most. Certainly Mack has the talent part locked up. Barring something unexpected, the pass rusher will end up in the Hall of Fame one day. Every opponent has to game plan against him. However, the thing about Mack is nobody would say he’s the voice in the locker room. That is not saying he lacks leadership, but his nature is one of a more lead by example style. It doesn’t fit what this franchise needs. Also, don’t forget he’s only been with the Bears for two years.
Eddie Jackson?
After three seasons, Jackson is on course to become one of the best safeties in team history. He is a legit star and one of the best ballhawks in the NFL. He also has embraced a central role in the locker room as a leader. Nobody is more vocal when it comes to demanding team unity and holding others accountable for doing their parts. At the same time, it is hard for a defensive back to be the face of a franchise. If only because they don’t impact games as much as other positions. His slight downturn in productivity last year also hurt his case.
Allen Robinson?
His profile took a major jump forward in 2019. Despite pitiful quarterback play at times, Robinson still churned out over 1,100 yards and was a constant playmaker on an otherwise bad offense. While not a rah-rah type, the wide receiver is an active voice in the locker room. He sets the bar constantly, making it clear the goal from the outset is to win. No matter the cost. This is what franchise faces do. The problem is like Mack he hasn’t been around long enough nor produced consistently at a high level to hold that job.
If there is one player on this team that can be called the true beating heart of the Bears? It became clear last season.
Akiem Hicks
The big defensive end checks every box. He is a dominant force on the field. Hicks had 23 sacks from 2016 to 2018 despite playing a position where rushing the pass is not the first priority. He’s also a suffocating run defender who is beyond difficult to move. Then there is the personality. When Hicks talks, people listen. He’ll fire up a huddle on the field, then give thoughtful answers during press conferences. Nobody knows how to set the tone on game days like Hicks.
The Chicago Bears also learned what life was like without him last season.
Remember back in 2009 when Urlacher injured his wrist and missed 15 games? Players on defense said his loss was the sole reason they underachieved that year. Teammates said quite similar things about Hicks last season. He was missed. A lot.
Through the first three games of 2019, the Bears had 11 sacks and didn’t allow more than 90 yards rushing by an opponent. After the injuries hit in week 4, the Bears had just 22 sacks the remaining 13 games and allowed over 100 yards rushing nine times.
That is the tangible impact of no Hicks had on the Bears. It’s why he is their face. How far they go in 2020 will depend a lot on him.
