Chicago Bears: Different year, same story in close loss to Atlanta Falcons

Stud of the Game: Akiem Hicks/Tarik Cohen

Hicks

Chicago Bears fans, and Hicks, rejoiced yesterday when the star defensive end signed a four-year, $48 million contract extension, solidifying him as an anchor on the defensive line for the foreseeable future. Then he spent all Sunday afternoon rewarding the Bears for their investment.

Simply put, the Falcons could not handle him.

He registered three total tackles, including his first two sacks of the 2017-18 season. He, along with Eddie Goldman, dominated the line of scrimmage all day, collapsing pockets and chasing plays down from behind.

His costly roughing the passer penalty in the third quarter aside, Hicks had an absolutely sterling day. If anyone worried about whether he would stay motivated after getting paid, you got your answer.

Cohen

Wow.

I knew that the Chicago Bears were going to use him plenty in the passing game, but even I wasn’t quite anticipating him having this kind of game right out of the gate.

And the Bears needed every single yard he gave them, too. The Falcons were intent on stopping Howard, and Chicago’s wide receiver group came into the game thin. And things didn’t get any better when Kevin White left in the fourth quarter with an injury.

But throughout the game, no matter the situation, Cohen just kept showing up. He ran the ball, caught passes out of the backfield and even split out wide as a receiver. The Bears put him anywhere and everywhere to get him the football, and now, everyone can see why.

NFL, you are now on notice. Tarik Cohen can play.