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papz 05-27-2013 06:02 PM

Hicks key for Saints
 
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One very important New Orleans Saints defensive player to keep your eye on in 2013 is second-year defensive lineman Akiem Hicks.

Hicks, who the Saints selected in the third round in 2012, had a baptism by fire last season, and while he showed his inexperience and a lack of good techniques at times, he also showed that athletically he is the most talented big man the Saints have along their defensive line.

Defensive end Cameron Jordan is not a gold chip NFL performer, but he is a good blue chip player. Jordan excels in stopping the run, but last season he displayed good pass-rush skills at times and the ability to close in fast on a quarterback.

For Hicks, if the light comes on for him like it did for Jordan in 2012, he has a chance to be a special defensive lineman.

The 6-foot-5, 320-pound defensive lineman is being played across the board in Rob Ryan’s new defensive 3-4 format.

“They are preparing me for every spot up front,” Hicks said. “I’m working at defensive end, nose tackle and playing the 3-technique. I like playing defensive end. It gives me an opportunity to use my athleticism and my speed coming off the ball. To be honest I am really a power-type player, but I surprise people on how quick I am coming off the ball. It’s a lot of one-on-one stuff at defensive end. When you play inside you are taking on a lot of double-team blocking. It’s adjusting and seeing what is best for me to excel and what is best for the team. It doesn’t matter where they play me, I just want to compete and play.”

Read more: Hicks key for Saints | HoumaToday.com

saintsfan1976 05-27-2013 07:03 PM

Re: Hicks key for Saints
 
Don't look now... Saints have a defensive line!

jeanpierre 05-27-2013 07:11 PM

Re: Hicks key for Saints
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by saintsfan1976 (Post 504963)
Don't look now... Saints have a defensive line!

Imagine that, we go from four to three defensive linemen and we look better?!?

Now if the Linebackers can shoot the gaps, penetrate, and neutralize the passer, we may have something...

But the best part is that the DL doesn't have to generate the pass rush, they simply have to trade there three bodies for the opposing offensive line's five bodies...

saintsfan1976 05-27-2013 08:01 PM

Re: Hicks key for Saints
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jeanpierre (Post 504965)
Imagine that, we go from four to three defensive linemen and we look better?!?

Now if the Linebackers can shoot the gaps, penetrate, and neutralize the passer, we may have something...

But the best part is that the DL doesn't have to generate the pass rush, they simply have to trade there three bodies for the opposing offensive line's five bodies...

Imagine that. It's almost like Payton knew what he was doing before he was suspended, during his suspension and AFTER his suspension!

Lb'ers will be more a work in progress IMO than D line.

QBREES9 05-27-2013 08:04 PM

Re: Hicks key for Saints
 
We look good on paper.

saintsfan1976 05-27-2013 08:15 PM

Re: Hicks key for Saints
 
We look good in several languages. There will be growing pains but they'll far be outweighed by the other team's pain.

Mr.Riaton 05-27-2013 09:36 PM

Re: Hicks key for Saints
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jeanpierre (Post 504965)
Imagine that, we go from four to three defensive linemen and we look better?!?

Now if the Linebackers can shoot the gaps, penetrate, and neutralize the passer, we may have something...

But the best part is that the DL doesn't have to generate the pass rush, they simply have to trade there three bodies for the opposing offensive line's five bodies...

Another thing is we will be using four D linemen at times....Jordan,Jenkins,Bunkley,Hicks sound good to me! Actually,if you put Jenkins and Hicks at DT, you should have success with almost anybody on the ends.

saintsfan1976 05-28-2013 07:11 AM

Re: Hicks key for Saints
 
And a few DBacks who can tackle!!

Ashley 05-28-2013 07:30 AM

Re: Hicks key for Saints
 
Can't wait to what he can do all season.

homerj07 05-28-2013 07:41 AM

Re: Hicks key for Saints
 
Damn I hope the D is better

TreyThomas 05-28-2013 10:40 AM

Re: Hicks key for Saints
 
Call me crazy, but I'm expecting a JJ Watt kinda breakout season for this guy. Maybe not to that degree, but I feel like Hicks could turn into someone that strikes fear into opposing offenses.

Crusader 05-28-2013 10:59 AM

Re: Hicks key for Saints
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by TreyThomas (Post 505057)
Call me crazy, but I'm expecting a JJ Watt kinda breakout season for this guy. Maybe not to that degree, but I feel like Hicks could turn into someone that strikes fear into opposing offenses.

The physical talent is undoubtly there, lets just see if the mind is too.

Rugby Saint II 05-28-2013 12:21 PM

Re: Hicks key for Saints
 
Hicks is a first rounder that we got in the third. Jimmy Graham, Armstead and JJ are other third rounders that have first round potential.

Seer1 05-28-2013 12:41 PM

Re: Hicks key for Saints
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by TreyThomas (Post 505057)
Call me crazy, but I'm expecting a JJ Watt kinda breakout season for this guy. Maybe not to that degree, but I feel like Hicks could turn into someone that strikes fear into opposing offenses.

Watts is a freak not only physically, but off the scale in football IQ too. If Hicks at 6'5", 325lbs, and as fast as he is can come in this year with half the football brains Watts has, then you are going to be spot on with your expectations.

Rugby Saint II 05-28-2013 08:46 PM

Re: Hicks key for Saints
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jeanpierre (Post 504965)
Imagine that, we go from four to three defensive linemen and we look better?!?

Now if the Linebackers can shoot the gaps, penetrate, and neutralize the passer, we may have something...

But the best part is that the DL doesn't have to generate the pass rush, they simply have to trade there three bodies for the opposing offensive line's five bodies...

See. Less is better! :wink:

Luda34 05-28-2013 10:39 PM

Re: Hicks key for Saints
 
I just want them to put pressure on the QB and cause turnovers. Oh I want Hicks, Jordan are who ever on the D to get Matt Ryan and Cam Newton and hit them everytime they go back and throw the damn ball. We have the players on the defense that are athletic enough to get at the QB and vets like Vilma and Lothon that are smart enough to have guys in the right spot and to play head games with the QB on the other team. I want teams to fear use. I hope Rob Ryan can turn the defense around like Wade Phillips did with the Texans because we have better player we just need someone to coach them.

saintsfan403 05-30-2013 12:41 AM

Re: Hicks key for Saints
 
I would love to see all 325 lbs of Hicks jump on Matty Ice.

dizzle88 05-30-2013 03:13 AM

Re: Hicks key for Saints
 
Consistent pressure is all we need, will force QB's to make mistakes

Hopefully Hicks and Jordan can blow up the pocket, forcing matt ryan or cam newton to roll out and then BAM.....martez wilson with a full head of steam drives them into the turf

Seer1 05-30-2013 08:35 AM

Re: Hicks key for Saints
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by saintsfan403 (Post 505428)
I would love to see all 325 lbs of Hicks jump on Matty Ice.

Then he'd go from Matty Brown-Spot to just Matty Spot.


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