Bears Blitz

Brian Urlacher: Chicago Bears Need Defensive Leader vs. New Orleans Saints

Published by Eric Bowman on September 15, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears veteran linebacker Brian Urlacher has returned to the team after taking a personal leave because of the unexpected passing of his mother. Urlacher spent time to mourn with his family, and now he is back with his other family.

He has every right to skip Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints if he wants to, but he knows his team needs him for this important NFC battle.

As of right now, it is unknown if Urlacher will practice today and play on Sunday. Head coach Lovie Smith spoke to the media today because Urlacher was not available. Per ESPN:

“I know sometimes when you’re going through tough times, the best thing for you to do is get back to something you like doing, and football is very important to Brian.”

Urlacher has been with the Bears since he was drafted ninth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft. Regarded as one of the best linebackers in the game, Urlacher is going through a very difficult time and if he doesn’t play then it will be OK.

However, the Bears know they need Urlacher more than any other player. Since 2008, Chicago is 7-8 without Urlacher in the lineup, but they’re 21-13 when he is.

If you watched this past Sunday when the Bears manhandled the Atlanta Falcons, Urlacher played a huge role in their win. He had a very impressive interception, and he later picked up a Matt Ryan fumble and took it to the end zone, which helped put the game away.

The Bears are going to let Urlacher do whatever he wants, and no matter his choice, they will respect it.

Wide receiver Roy Williams told reporters that without Urlacher the Bears will adjust, but he would be missed.

“That’s going to be tough for our football team (if Urlacher doesn’t play Sunday), but we’re understanding,” Bears receiver Roy Williams said Wednesday. “Whoever takes his spot (if necessary) will play well. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. He is the emotional leader of the football team, so we have his back.”

In the end, Urlacher will do what he feels is best for himself, which is all you can ask of the man right now.

Since he returned to the team today, it appears Urlacher will be playing against the Saints. This is a big game for Chicago to prove that they’re legit contenders in the NFC, and a win over Drew Brees would make believers out of a lot of people.