So, Urlacher Thinks The Bears Will Finish...

[Bearin' Down]

Brian Urlacher says that he thinks the Bears are the 3rd or 4th best team in the division...
Seems like the guy could act like he has faith in his old teamates to take the division this year, or at least be better than the Viqueens. I guess we don't have to worry about calling him a homer...


(I cant post links yet but this is from Ross Jones, FOXSports.com)

FOX Football Daily will kick off on Monday Aug. 19 at 6 p.m ET. on FOX Sports 1 America’s New Sports Network. The FOX Football Daily crew held a call with the media to detail exactly what the show is and who will be featured on it. Here are some top takeaways from the media call:

Bears bound for playoffs? Brian Urlacher doesn’t think so

This sure won’t sit well with Chicago Bears fans, but future Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher thinks the Green Bay Packers are the favorites to win the NFC North.

“Yeah, I would consider them the favorite,” Urlacher said. “Two or three times around they’ve won the division and I would say that they are the favorite until someone knocks them off, they’re going to be the top dog in that division.”

Ok, fine. Easy answer. Surely, the Bears will be on their heels though right, Brian? Not so fast.

“I think Minnesota is right behind [Green Bay]. They got better in the offseason. They got Greg Jennings, they stole him from Green Bay and there defense has always been good. So, I think right now it’s between those two. Green Bay has a slight edge and it will be interesting to see how Chicago and Detroit can keep up in that division with those two teams.”

Sounds like is just rehashing last year's results and calling them his opinion.

Greenbay has lost:
-Greg Jennings
-Donald Driver
-Bryan Buluga
-Charles Woodson
(maybe more people that I'm forgetting too)

Vikings still have Christian Ponder as their QB (not a good thing). AP isn't running for 2,000 yards this year. They've lost the versatility of Percy Harvin, which I think is HUGE.

Chicago has lost the leadership and experience of Brian Urlacher, yes. But Chicago has also grown leaps in bounds in the athletic ability and depth departments at LB, OL, and TE. Chicago has also improved their receiving core. Otherwise, Chicago is largely the same.

Detroit lost Cliff Avril, but gained Reggie Bush. I'm not sure how much they've actually done to help their defense grow. I think their D is still terrible.

My predictions for this season:

Vikings end up 6-10.
Detroit 7-9 or 8-8.

The race will be between the Bears and the Packers. The Bears will start slow both offensively and defensively. The defense has to learn to adjust and play with each other. The offense has to learn to play under a new system. I think both teams go 10-6. I think the Bears finish stronger. By the end of the year, the Bears D will be playing much better than it did early on. Same with the Offense. I could see the Bears starting out 4-4 or 3-5 and then going 6-2 or 7-1 the remainder of the way.

 

[geneatals]

man, this guy just keeps digging deeper....

 

[Xplosive]

I love Urlacher but keep in mind he thought last years team was a real Super Bowl Contender. I'm glad he thinks the Bears will finish low in the division. I'm so used to most players, analysts & media picking the Bears to finish middle of the road that it doesn't bother anymore. No, it's not media hate because they often pick the Bears to accomplish what they usually do which has mostly been a team just above .500 or worse. I see why the media & even Urlacher project as they do. However I also notice that when the media & especially former players predict the Bears to bomb, that's when the Bears seem to have one of their better seasons. I wouldn't be surprised at all if the Bears went anywhere from 5-11 to 11-5 this year. I really don't see anything out of bounds by what Urlacher thinks here. Why should he think other wise? The team may look better on paper but that's useless until close to mid season when good/bad teams separate themselves in the standings.

As a fan who loves the team, I don't believe the Bears should get the benefit of the doubt here until they do make the postseason & do so on a more consistent basis. Myself & many other Bears fans tend to get excited for the season & buy in without any real question. Not that this matters to anyone, but I'm not going to buy in until or unless I see something significantly better from the Bears this season. I do think the Bears can be a very serious contender this season, but I've thought that in many off/pre seasons just to see the opposite. In my entire life since 1975 the Bears regular season record is W-314 & L-282 with a .530 winning percentage. That's not bad by any means & could be a lot worse, but still shows that in recent history the Bears have mostly been an average or just above average team. Since I was born in 1975 there really has been one stretch of consistency for the Bears as a real annual contender when Ditka was the HC. That was a long time ago & feels like an eternity.

I fully believe that the Bears can be a serious contender this season, & they are IF they put the work in to do so & stay healthy. But history shows that there's a better chance than not the Bears will finish around .500 or slightly better/worse. This years squad sort of reminds me of the 2010 squad. I know they offensive schemes were different under Martz's Coryell, but just as complex, if not more complex to learn than what Trestman wants to run with a WC. They've acquired good players at key areas, just like they did with Peppers in 2010. They have a new DC & OC, the only difference is that we have a new HC that I m starting to think the players really do want to respond to enough to not be overly soured by Lovies departure. I do think this 2013 team is a lot more talented on paper than the 2010 team was, but again paper means nothing. This year, rather proclaim that the Bears are for real without looking at the team thoroughly, I'm going to render the possibilities of a good/great season, but wait & see how things go, at least after the first 4-5 games.

Great Post,

That 2010 team went 11-5 so heres hoping you are on to something there. I agree with most you said, its just irritating when a guy that has been part of your team so long still leaves and puts us behind the freaking Vikings. Like you say I'm certainly used to the media bias but you'd think your probable future HOF retired player would act more like a homer. We have enough "realist" when it comes to the media vs the Bears.

 

[AHSIllini32]

Anyway you want to cut it, it doesn't matter until we prove otherwise nothing has suggested that we will finish better than last year, and that Green Bay or Minnesota will finish worst... I mean I don't know why my prediction matters that much to you, it's just a preseason prediction... you want to argue about 1 spot on the division standings?

You seemed to speak pretty definitively that Minny got better and will finish 2nd.

 

[MikeDitkaPolishSausage]

You seemed to speak pretty definitively that Minny got better and will finish 2nd.

The Bears were a better team last year but blew it and they have only gotten better this year (Just like MN). But I guess sikesy7 doesnt realize that one spot in the division standing could mean Playoffs or Go home so ya that one spot is pretty important.

 

[Runruffshod75]

The bears face a pretty tough schedule this season. I could honestly see a scenario where they finish 7-9 and "progress" was made and or shown.

Yeah that wouldn't shock me at all. The Steelers & Ravens are two teams that really have me curious of how tough they may be. Last season & previous, those are two teams that to me were as intimidating as any in the league. However, I really don't think neither one of those teams are going to dominate this season like they have in previous years. But I still think both are still contenders & when the young players they've acquired hit their strides, both of those franchises are going to Beast. This season I do think the Bears can win those games, at least one of them.

I actually think Cincy is the team to beat in that division this year, & I really don't think it's going to be pretty at Soldier Field in week one of the regular season. I do think a lot of Bears fans are greatly under estimating Cincy in week one. I'm glad the Bears are playing them right away though because IMO Cincy is a very talented young team, & it could tell a lot about how the Bears will fare vs. good franchises in 2013.

For me the biggest question mark is how efficiently the Bears can run the new offense. They obviously won't get it down pat this season. I'd be happy if they could grasp enough of the passing game while using a lot Bush/Forte, & even run the ball a lot more than most fans want to see, who are expecting an unrealistic laser show from Cutler under Trestman in year 1 of another system. I do think going run heavy while gradually working into the passing game could be a very good thing for the Bears chances at a quality season. I definitely think it would be much more impactful than just having Jay go out there & try to fire the ball all over the field in a new WC system that lives by & stresses QB efficiency more than almost anything.

If one listens to Trestman speak about the QB position/Cutler, you'll hear him say the term efficiency over & over. Jay has never been a very efficient QB, it's a must for his COMP% to go up & INT's to go down. Honestly I don't like his chances in the first year of another system, & again I do think the Bears can have a legit shot if the running is effective enough to allow them to ease into the passing game. If Trestman comes in & tries to have Cutler go balls to the wall with the passing attack like Martz tried to do in 2010, I think we'll be fuct.

 

[chitown2387]

I'm sorry, but I'm actually happy to see that Urlacher isn't being a homer like a lot of the other guys on television.

I also believe Green Bay will win the division and the Vikings are pretty good this year as well so it'll be a fight for 2nd place.

 

[MikeDitkaPolishSausage]

I'm sorry, but I'm actually happy to see that Urlacher isn't being a homer like a lot of the other guys on television.

I also believe Green Bay will win the division and the Vikings are pretty good this year as well so it'll be a fight for 2nd place.

It will def be a fight but if our offense gets clicking I dont see how their LB's and DB's would be able to stop our offensive threats. Our defense will hold up their own against Ponders Vikings, we just gotta get our offense rolling to secure that 1 or 2 seed in the division.

 

[Runruffshod75]

Great Post,

That 2010 team went 11-5 so heres hoping you are on to something there. I agree with most you said, its just irritating when a guy that has been part of your team so long still leaves and puts us behind the freaking Vikings. Like you say I'm certainly used to the media bias but you'd think your probable future HOF retired player would act more like a homer. We have enough "realist" when it comes to the media vs the Bears.

The only thing that irritates me about Urlacher saying what he's saying, is how Urlacher went off about Gale Sayers saying somewhat similar things to the media previous to 2010, to what Urlacher is saying now. Now Urlacher is on the other side of the fence & his tune has changed.

Yes the messenger here kind of irritates me to some aspect, but not his message that is a very valid possibility.

 

[FirstTimer]

Yeah that wouldn't shock me at all. The Steelers & Ravens are two teams that really have me curious of how tough they may be. Last season & previous, those are two teams that to me were as intimidating as any in the league. However, I really don't think neither one of those teams are going to dominate this season like they have in previous years. But I still think both are still contenders & when the young players they've acquired hit their strides, both of those franchises are going to Beast. This season I do think the Bears can win those games, at least one of them.

I actually think Cincy is the team to beat in that division this year, & I really don't think it's going to be pretty at Soldier Field in week one of the regular season. I do think a lot of Bears fans are greatly under estimating Cincy in week one. I'm glad the Bears are playing them right away though because IMO Cincy is a very talented young team, & it could tell a lot about how the Bears will fare vs. good franchises in 2013.

For me the biggest question mark is how efficiently the Bears can run the new offense. They obviously won't get it down pat this season. I'd be happy if they could grasp enough of the passing game while using a lot Bush/Forte, & even run the ball a lot more than most fans want to see, who are expecting an unrealistic laser show from Cutler under Trestman in year 1 of another system. I do think going run heavy while gradually working into the passing game could be a very good thing for the Bears chances at a quality season. I definitely think it would be much more impactful than just having Jay go out there & try to fire the ball all over the field in a new WC system that lives by & stresses QB efficiency more than almost anything.

If one listens to Trestman speak about the QB position/Cutler, you'll hear him say the term efficiency over & over. Jay has never been a very efficient QB, it's a must for his COMP% to go up & INT's to go down. Honestly I don't like his chances in the first year of another system, & again I do think the Bears can have a legit shot if the running is effective enough to allow them to ease into the passing game. If Trestman comes in & tries to have Cutler go balls to the wall with the passing attack like Martz tried to do in 2010, I think we'll be fuct.

Great post. Agree with just about 100% of it.

 

[FirstTimer]

The only thing that irritates me about Urlacher saying what he's saying, is how Urlacher went off about Gale Sayers saying somewhat similar things to the media previous to 2010, to what Urlacher is saying now. Now Urlacher is on the other side of the fence & his tune has changed.

Yes the messenger here kind of irritates me to some aspect, but not his message that is a very valid possibility.

Sayers' comments were a lot more pointed and much more critical. I don't see any hypocrisy here from Urlacher at all.

Plus, Sayers is a complete and utter douchebag.

 

[Runruffshod75]

Sayers' comments were a lot more pointed and much more critical. I don't see any hypocrisy here from Urlacher at all.

Plus, Sayers is a complete and utter douchebag.

Urlacher is another concern for me. I do think he was a shell of his former self last season, but still a guy who's brain should be picked which I think still would have made him an asset to have this season, on/off the field. I just don't think that Bostic is going to be the immediate replacement some hope for. I honestly think that Bostic is very similar to what Lance Briggs was coming out of college, with just better top end speed & position on the field. Although both Bostic & Briggs had played at all three LB positions be it minimal or a mainstay at one of the given LB positions. Right now I think Bostic would have a very very good chance of becoming a nice run stopping SAM, while occasionally getting coverage assignments he can handle right away, which could help him develop into one of the mainstay LB positions at the WILL/MIKE. I think he'd end up being a better WILL but that's just me.

I know Bostic had the pick six from an INT on a wounded duck pass right to him, but he had plenty of mishaps also. I really don't think he's the deep coverage MIKE that people are hoping for. I think he could become an excellent run stopping LB who can blitz/shed blocks well & even learn to cover well underneath but I just don't think he's the force in the middle people are hoping for, at least not this season.

 

[FirstTimer]

Urlacher is another concern for me. I do think he was a shell of his former self last season, but still a guy who's brain should be picked which I think still would have made him an asset to have this season, on/off the field. I just don't think that Bostic is going to be the immediate replacement some hope for. I honestly think that Bostic is very similar to what Lance Briggs was coming out of college, with just better top end speed & position on the field. Although both Bostic & Briggs had played at all three LB positions be it minimal or a mainstay at one of the given LB positions. Right now I think Bostic would have a very very good chance of becoming a nice run stopping SAM, while occasionally getting coverage assignments he can handle right away, which could help him develop into one of the mainstay LB positions at the WILL/MIKE. I think he'd end up being a better WILL but that's just me.

I know Bostic had the pick six from an INT on a wounded duck pass right to him, but he had plenty of mishaps also. I really don't think he's the deep coverage MIKE that people are hoping for. I think he could become an excellent run stopping LB who can blitz/shed blocks well & even learn to cover well underneath but I just don't think he's the force in the middle people are hoping for, at least not this season.

Agreed on Urlacher. While his knee was a mess last year he was your prototypical grindy vet who knew where he had to be, when he had to be there, and knew the other teams really well so while his physical abilities were declined his mental approach and experience made up for the declining athletic side of things. I think the Bears(and their fans) will miss him, at least early on, more than they think they will.

 

[Runruffshod75]

Sayers' comments were a lot more pointed and much more critical. I don't see any hypocrisy here from Urlacher at all.

Plus, Sayers is a complete and utter douchebag.

Yeah they definitely were critical. Sayers was wrong about Urlacher returning from the wrist injury, I thought 2010 was one of Urlachers best three maybe even two seasons. He was a couple of years off with Lovie being done as the HC. But he was right about Peppers not being able to do it all himself.

“If Lovie doesn’t do it this year, I think he’s gone. He had a good team the Super Bowl year. Nothing came together for him the last couple years.”

Sayers said he doubted Urlacher would return to form after missing last season with a wrist injury.

As for free-agent Julius Peppers, Sayers told the Omaha World-Herald that, “He’s a good player, but he can’t do it all by himself.”

I don't know how Sayers is as person, your probably right & he's douche but other than being wrong about Urlacher returning & by a couple of years off with Lovie being let go. I just don't see where Sayers comments were really that bad. Especially when I think back to when he made the comments based mainly on the three seasons the Bears had from 2007-2009 which I see as a disappointment for a number reasons for sure.

 

[TheWinman]

Many experts have the Vikings finishing behind us.

 

[Runruffshod75]

Agreed on Urlacher. While his knee was a mess last year he was your prototypical grindy vet who knew where he had to be, when he had to be there, and knew the other teams really well so while his physical abilities were declined his mental approach and experience made up for the declining athletic side of things. I think the Bears(and their fans) will miss him, at least early on, more than they think they will.

The thing is, I actually think a full offseason of training, conditioning TC/preseason, I really do think Urlacher could have played as well as he was in 2011. I know Urlachers numbers in 2011 were lower than what they were in 2010, but he played a lot more coverage in 2011 than he did in 2010. In 2010 the Bears did not have a very impactful DT in the middle & they were actually blitzing Urlacher more that year than usual. In 2010 Urlacher was used, at times, similar to how he was used in 2000/01 because Toeaina & Adams weren't producing enough as pass rushers on the interior of the D-Line, but were decent space eaters, so Urlacher did blitz more that season & raked in something like 4 sacks I believe, while still being a mainstay in coverage, & stout vs the run. Then 2011 he was able to play more coverage again with Melton starting hit his stride & Urlacher was playing very well that year in coverage.

Sucks how everything went down & IMO was completely unnecessary. You'd think that both sides of the matter could have given in more to the others demands considering who it was & his history with team while proving he could still play, even out of football shape in 2012. I think he would been a lot sharper this season. I see more than one area on this team that's being paid money it really shouldn't & could have gone to bringing back Urlacher. Spilled milk I guess.

 

[botfly10]

seemed like a pretty fair assessment, maybe this should motivate his teammates... but cmon lets not get over dramatic about this, the dude answered the question honestly. I think you ask most analyst they have the bears finishing 3rd or 4th behind Green Bay and Minnesota as well.. That doesn't mean we can't prove them wrong and win the division.

Fair? The vikings? You gotta be kidding me.

Imo, Vikes will be battling the lions for 3rd or 4th place.

 

[FirstTimer]

Yeah they definitely were critical. Sayers was wrong about Urlacher returning from the wrist injury, I thought 2010 was one of Urlachers best three maybe even two seasons. He was a couple of years off with Lovie being done as the HC. But he was right about Peppers not being able to do it all himself.

“If Lovie doesn’t do it this year, I think he’s gone. He had a good team the Super Bowl year. Nothing came together for him the last couple years.”

Sayers said he doubted Urlacher would return to form after missing last season with a wrist injury.

As for free-agent Julius Peppers, Sayers told the Omaha World-Herald that, “He’s a good player, but he can’t do it all by himself.”

I don't know how Sayers is as person, your probably right & he's douche but other than being wrong about Urlacher returning & by a couple of years off with Lovie being let go. I just don't see where Sayers comments were really that bad. Especially when I think back to when he made the comments based mainly on the three seasons the Bears had from 2007-2009 which I see as a disappointment for a number reasons for sure.

As good a RB as Sayers was, he's as actually as large a prick.

 

[FirstTimer]

The thing is, I actually think a full offseason of training, conditioning TC/preseason, I really do think Urlacher could have played as well as he was in 2011. I know Urlachers numbers in 2011 were lower than what they were in 2010, but he played a lot more coverage in 2011 than he did in 2010. In 2010 the Bears did not have a very impactful DT in the middle & they were actually blitzing Urlacher more that year than usual. In 2010 Urlacher was used, at times, similar to how he was used in 2000/01 because Toeaina & Adams weren't producing enough as pass rushers on the interior of the D-Line, but were decent space eaters, so Urlacher did blitz more that season & raked in something like 4 sacks I believe, while still being a mainstay in coverage, & stout vs the run. Then 2011 he was able to play more coverage again with Melton starting hit his stride & Urlacher was playing very well that year in coverage.

Sucks how everything went down & IMO was completely unnecessary. You'd think that both sides of the matter could have given in more to the others demands considering who it was & his history with team while proving he could still play, even out of football shape in 2012. I think he would been a lot sharper this season. I see more than one area on this team that's being paid money it really shouldn't & could have gone to bringing back Urlacher. Spilled milk I guess.

At least in the short term having Urlacher on the roster would have been much more useful for Bostic than having DJ Williams.

 

[botfly10]

I think Urlacher is probably inflating the effect of the team losing him.