FOXBORO — Both Bill Belichick and Akiem Hicks know the stat sheet doesn’t tell the whole story, especially for a defensive tackle.
There are plenty of ways a player in that position can contribute beyond traditional numbers, including occupying blockers so that other defenders can make a tackle or sack.
Of course, that doesn’t mean making a big play here or there doesn’t carry its own brand of excitement.
In the Patriots’ win over Houston last weekend, Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer couldn’t find an open receiver. Hicks, the Pats’ 6-foot-5, 318-pounder on the interior, shed his block and brought Hoyer down.