Brian Urlacher stood near midfield on a warm evening last month during Bears training camp in Bourbonnais, Ill. He said that, come what may, the Bears defense will always be easily identified. He said it like he meant it, which is certainly Urlacher's way"We're never going to change,'' Urlacher said. "I mean, this is how we play and what we do. We're physical. We're hungry. We get as excited about defending the run as we do the pass. And we've always got a history to live up to around here.''
Well, the spirit may be willing but the tools are now certainly weaker for this Bears defense
With Urlacher, Chicago's long-time starting middle linebacker, out for the season after surgery on his dislocated wrist Monday morning, the Bears defense is wounded as well. Coach Lovie Smith said that his team spent the day searching for answers, scouring for additions, and among the candidates is veteran Derrick Brooks. But Smith indicated the replacements Chicago most desired would be those who could both play special teams and provide depth behind veteran Hunter Hillenmeyer -- Urlacher's backup who now finds himself penciled in as the starter.
People inside the Bears facility on Monday called Urlacher's loss "devastating.''
Urlacher, the co-captain of the defense (end Adewale Ogunleye is the other) made the on-field calls. The Bears consider him a leader in presence alone, never mind the nine seasons with 100 or more tackles, the six Pro Bowls or his 2005 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
"People don't understand that he gets all of the guys to relax, that he serves as a security blanket for a lot of guys on this defense,'' a Bears source said. "You hear that he is a declining player, and they say that about a lot of guys in this league when they get older. There is nobody here who feels that way. In this league, you move on. But I wish I knew that we will and I'd feel a lot better right now. That remains to be seen how these players respond. We have enough veteran leadership to respond. I hope they understand that has to happen because we have no choice.''
Chicago Bears Photos
Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) puts a rush on Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, in Green Bay, Wis. Urlacher will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a dislocated right wrist _ a major blow for a team with high expectations.(AP Photo/Jim Prisching)
AP
Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher walks off the field with Green Bay Packers linebacker Brady Poppinga (51) after the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, in Green Bay, Wis. Urlacher will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a dislocated right wrist _ a major blow for a team with high expectations. (AP Photo/Jim Prisching)
AP
Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher is seen on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, in Green Bay, Wis. Urlacher will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a dislocated right wrist _ a major blow for a team with high expectations. (AP Photo/Jim Prisching)
AP
Chicago Bears' Brian Urlacher is shown on the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, in Green Bay, Wis. The Chicago Tribune is reporting Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher will likely miss the rest of the season with a dislocated right wrist. In a text message sent to the newspaper Monday, Urlacher said: "season is over." (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears walks off the field following a loss to the Green Bay Packers on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jay Cutler
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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears runs against the Green Bay Packers on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Matt Forte
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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears awaits the start of play in the 1st half against the Green Bay Packers on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brian Urlacher
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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears stands on the sidelines after being injured near the end of the first half against the Green Bay Packers on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Brian Urlacher
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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers smiles at a teammate on the sidelines after throwing the winning touchdown pass against the Chicago Bears on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Aaron Rodgers
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GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers call signals against the Chicago Bears on September 13, 2009 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Aaron Rodgers
Getty Images
Back in camp, Urlacher, who turned 31 in May, seemed relieved and thrilled that he was finally healthy.
In recent seasons he battled neck and back problems. Before that, hamstring and leg injuries. Yet, he had started all 16 games in seven of the last eight Bears seasons.
Smith says Urlacher "will be back as strong as ever next year.''
No one knows that. As Urlacher inches forward, next season would be his 11th in the league. At his position, considering the pounding, each new season is a tougher deal.
The Bears know that New England won 11 games last season without injured quarterback Tom Brady, and that the Giants won 12 without injured defensive end Osi Umenyiora.
Now it is their turn to compensate for the loss of an anchor.
From Smith to the 53rd man on the team's roster, every man will have to take a piece of that task. And this comes on the heels of that disheartening Sunday night loss at Green Bay -- and with the defending champion Steelers rolling into Chicago on Sunday.
Once the shock of Urlacher's loss subsides, look for the Bears to exude renewed confidence and increased passion and playmaking.
Their season relies upon how long those things last.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
9-14-2009 @ 11:02PM
Security Man said...
That will teach him to mess with the Packers!
Reply
9-15-2009 @ 3:49AM
duolaimeng said...
sfcdsgthyt
9-15-2009 @ 10:32AM
ronman189 said...
Can't wait until you Peckers make the return trip to Chicago.
9-15-2009 @ 2:12PM
andrelcephus said...
Thats cold! LOL
Go Pack!
9-15-2009 @ 1:33AM
longfordmac2 said...
Listening today to sports talk radio a caller from the great city of Chicago (I'm from NY # 1) a caller said what a great loss Brian is to ''da Bears''. And he was right. But then this idiot says Urlacher is the best linebacker of all time and I nearly drove off the rode. C'mn Chi-town ... is the wind affecting your brains?
The best were - 1.) Lawrence Taylor 2.) Butkus
3.) Nitschke (sp?) 4.) Jack Lambert 5.Willie Lanier ..... no if's, ands, or buts!
And Ray Lewis too is good but he should be playing for the penal league and wearing orange.
Reply
9-15-2009 @ 11:41AM
stantango said...
Nitschke is the correct spelling, but rode is spelled "road" Rode is the past tense of ride, whereas a road is what you drive on; so you nearly rode off the road. Two things are certain: 1. DA BEARS SUCK! 2. The two best linebackers both attended the U of Illinois, the last two great pro players to attend that university.
9-15-2009 @ 12:53PM
Me said...
Lawrence Taylor, The real LT. I'm tired of hearing this wannabe in San Diego being referred to as LT.
9-15-2009 @ 2:02PM
Bill said...
No one is above Butkus, especially your own N.Y. favorite Lawrence the coke-fiend, crackhead Taylor who didn't stand in the middle getting hit from all sides, including the now illegal crackback block that destroyed his knees and career. Taylor and Lewis belong in the same prison, but not in the Hall of Fame with Butkus.
9-15-2009 @ 7:31AM
marley54fd said...
Of course the Bears will miss Urlacher because their offense is the suck.
Reply
9-15-2009 @ 12:44PM
TOM BEALS said...
Learn how to spell before trying to post. It's embarrassing !
9-15-2009 @ 9:23AM
quartersone said...
Who gives a damn. He,s a JERK. There will be someone who comes along that will be just as good if not better. Hey bone head, clean out your locker and look for a real job............
Reply
9-15-2009 @ 9:30AM
CSC said...
STEELERS r the SHIZZLE,everything else suxs!!
Reply
9-15-2009 @ 9:42AM
tlc5300 said...
Urlachers talent may be in the C+ range at 31, but his leadership is beyond A+. In the day of me first and immaturity, Urlacher brought an intensity to win and team spirit that few players have today. Any Packer fan that's happy, isn't a true fan. We diehard Bear fans never wanted Farve hurt, we wanted to kick his ass when he was at his best.
Reply
9-15-2009 @ 9:55AM
raindep said...
Urlacher deserves to sit...this is Karma...second play from scrimmage, he cheap shots Rodgers with his right elbow to the head, well after the pass...Mr. Intimidation my ass...he should grab a coaching position while its there...stick a fork in him Chi-town
Reply
9-15-2009 @ 10:30AM
ronman189 said...
Total BS. Clean shot, no blow to the head. If Rodgers is that frail, put him in a nice pink skirt.
9-15-2009 @ 10:44AM
spunky900123 said...
if it was a cheap show to the head. and well after the ball was thrown.They would of call ruffing the passer. Which as we all saw it was a good play.
9-15-2009 @ 1:43PM
JayAsh said...
Im tired of hearing about Urlacher took a cheap shot on Rodgers, he couldve done a lot worse if he led with his head or ran full speed to wrap him up and take him down, he led wit his shoulder, clean hit! if it wasnt a clean hit then why wasnt there a flag? Packer fans want some cheese with that wine?
9-15-2009 @ 11:37AM
Sekinu2 said...
Lol that shot on Rodgers was great.wasnt to the head so you might need to get a new tv as Brian hit him in the chest with his shoulder and put him to the grass.On the above post of greatest linebackers you had it close except Butkus is number 1 and Tayler is number 2
Reply
9-15-2009 @ 11:53AM
stantango said...
Why can't they put a ten pound chunk of plaster on the end of his arm over that dislocated hand after it is reset, ==( ) so he can use it as a club, sledge hammer or battering ram and bring him back. He would not be playing any dirtier than he had been before.
Many players have played with a cast on their arms.
Reply
9-15-2009 @ 12:17PM
Teva said...
URLACHER is on defence so put a brace on that wrist and play you wuss.
Reply