Hicks built a strong 78 run-defense grade by repeatedly attacking the line of scrimmage, highlighted by diagnosing a jet sweep for a one-yard stop (Q1 04:58) and stuffing early-down runs. However, his coverage grade dipped to 62 due to susceptibility to play action, as he was caught flat-footed on a 44-yard strike to Chris Bell (Q2 06:10) and bit forward to allow a 42-yard completion to Greg Dulcich (Q3 14:15). While he flashed deep range by breaking up a post throw to Kevin Coleman Jr. (Q3 07:28), the explosive passing plays surrendered kept his overall grade at 68.0.
Strengths
Downhill alley fitting
Perimeter run support
Deep post range
Weaknesses
Play-action discipline
Intermediate zone depth
Plays that moved the grade
+1.5Q1 04:58, 1st & 10Triggered instantaneously on jet motion to fill the alley and make a primary stop for a 1-yard gain.
-1Q3 14:15, 2nd & 8Crept into the box against play action and lost Greg Dulcich across his face for a 42-yard completion.
+1.5Q3 07:28, 1st & 10Drove from deep coverage on a bootleg throw to execute an athletic pass breakup on a deep post to K. Coleman.
Every graded snap · 12 wins or losses, 65 routine
+1Q1 12:47 · 1 & 10 · Run defenseTriggers downhill immediately from depth and assists Bolton in finishing the tackle.
+1.5Q1 04:58 · 1 & 10 · Run defenseTriggers instantaneously on the jet motion, fills the alley aggressively, and makes the primary stop for a 1-yard gain.
-0.5Q1 03:33 · 1 & 3 · Run defenseFills downhill toward the point of attack but arrives just as Gordon powers through the goal line.
+1Q2 12:09 · 2 & 1 · Run defenseFills aggressively into the alley from depth, squares up, and makes initial contact to halt the runner's momentum at 2 yards.
-0.5Q2 06:10 · 1 & 10 · CoverageCaught flat-footed on the play action and cannot recover in time to close down the catch-and-run.
+1Q3 14:53 · 1 & 10 · Run defenseTriggers downhill decisively from the stacked box, meets Gordon in the hole, and initiates the tackle.
-1Q3 14:15 · 2 & 8 · CoverageCreeps down into the box against the heavy run look and fails to get enough depth or read the release of Dulcich crossing his face.
+0.5Q3 08:05 · 1 & 10 · CoverageBreaks down downhill promptly from intermediate zone to secure the open-field tackle at the MIA 31.
+1.5Q3 07:28 · 1 & 10 · CoveragePedals into deep coverage, reads the bootleg throw, drives aggressively on the deep post, and elevates to execute a clean pass breakup at the catch point inside the 20-yard line.
+1Q3 03:51 · 2 & 10 · Run defenseTriggers downhill instantly at the snap from depth, fits the open alley cleanly, and assists Woods in driving Gordon down for a 1-yard gain.
+1Q4 11:28 · 1 & 10 · Run defenseTriggers downhill immediately from depth, evades blocking, and wraps up Washington for the primary tackle.
+0.5Q4 00:52 · 1 & 10 · CoverageReads the quarterback's eyes quickly and takes a clean angle to provide over-the-top support on the deep shot.