2024-08-03 11:50:02
With Hicks’ 10 years in the league, he brings a wealth of experience to a younger linebacker room, as well as veteran leadership. Stefanski said those two elements play a large factor in his presence in the unit.
“That doesn’t happen by accident,” Stefanski said. “That’s somebody who really takes care of his body, plays well, has been in a bunch of different systems. So, he can impart a ton of wisdom on those young players just by his sheer numbers of years in this league.”
Not only does he bring 10 years of experience in the league, but he’s also played for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz with the Eagles. With Schwartz in Philadelphia, Hicks started all 35 games he played in over those three seasons. The Eagles went on a successful run in that stretch, and while Hicks missed a majority of the 2017 Super Bowl run with an Achilles injury, Hicks still found success in Schwartz’s system.
While there are slight differences from the Eagles to the Browns that has created a learning curve for Hicks, he has a foundation and an understanding of the core of Schwartz’s defensive style.
“I know what to expect and what Jim is looking for,” Hicks said. “But at the same time, you know, a lot of this defense since last time I was in his has evolved. So, there’s been some learning curves and some understanding but a lot of that was done in OTAs and minicamp, so we came hit the hit the ground running, didn’t have to install anything just took off.”
The linebackers play a unique role in the defensive system. They line up in the middle of the defense, and Hicks said they have to help set the defense, provide the necessary communication to both the defensive line and the secondary so they are all on the same. Hicks said they also are trying to be one step ahead of the call, predicting what plays the offense can run and thinking about what types of motions can get the defense into their best coverages and fronts.
Hicks has special ability to do just that from the middle of the defense, and linebackers coach Jason Tarver has noted that skillset.
“We’re the nerve center of the defense,” Tarver said. “We need to be able to get everybody lined up, get everybody chill and then when the ball is snapped, make the play. So, we love his ability to do that.”
