Much like any relationship, the bond between players and coaches takes time to develop trust. And that’s what Chicago Bears defensive lineman Akiem Hicks said is happening between the defense and its new coordinator, Chuck Pagano.
“It’s like dating, man. You can’t just rush in, you know? You got to let it grow, you got to let it mature,” Hicks said from Bears training camp.
“One day we’re probably going to have a beautiful relationship, and we’re getting to that point. So at this point, we’re just learning each other. We have a great deal of respect for everybody on that unit, right? We’ll see where it goes.”
That one day may come sooner than later. Like, first-week-of-training-camp soon.
Let’s not screw up this narrative. Pagano isn’t some unproven coach who’s being tasked with filling a massive void left behind by Vic Fangio. He’s an experienced guy who’s served not only as a defensive coordinator in the NFL, but also had a successful tenure as the head coach of the Colts.
Sure, he’s the new guy in Chicago. But he’s hardly a new guy. He knows what buttons to push to get the most out of his players, and he’ll soon be whispering sweet nothings to Hicks, Khalil Mack, Eddie Jackson and the rest of the Bears superstar defenders in what may end up being an even better year for this defense.
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