Bears Blitz

Published by Andrew Garda on May 8, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated – Mark Twain upon hearing of his Obituary in the New York Journal

Brian Urlacher and Mark Twain have at least one thing in common—both have been reported as deceased incorrectly.

Well, in Urlacher’s case, it’s his career some are burying, but the message is the same.

Save the roses and put down the shovel—he’s not done yet.

Urlacher is about to start his 10th year in the National Football League, but he’s not slowing down, at least not that much.

Yes, as a player ages they get banged up more often, heal slower and just start running down. The end can come swiftly and suddenly—for examples see Alexander, Shaun and Driver, Donald.

However, Urlacher still keeps an even pace in his old age.

Some point to the big fat donut under ‘sacks’ last year as an example of his decline.

Well, over the his career, Urlacher has never been defined by his sacks—in fact his sack totals have been completely hit or miss since 2005.

His tackles fell off last year, and at first, that seemed a concern. However, his totals were down far more significantly in 2008 when he totaled just 79.

While perhaps just being five tackles higher seems like not much of a stretch, it does make a difference and while some of it could be age, as much of it has been a shift away from him as teams just try to stay the heck out of his way.

As he’s older and a tad slower, it’s hard to chase the young whippersnappers down, though, it’s not for a lack of trying.

Still, he’s been very consistent and hasn’t really dropped off that hard.

Putting aside 2009 when he was out most of the season injured, he’s averaged 90+ tackles each season. As recently as 2010, he had a total of 96, with another 29 assists.

Speaking of injuries—yes, they’re starting to pile up as they do for any aging player, especially a monster like Urlacher.who plays at such a savage level.

So sure, it’s a concern. However, his knee is close to healed, and he feels he’ll be ready for training camp. Beyond that, sure there is some risk for the Bears and Urlacher, but none moreso than any other player and any other team.

Urlacher feels he can play a few more years, though he is adamant about doing so as a Bear or not at all (let’s take a moment to say how rare and awesome that sentiment is). He’s certainly not a guy who sounds like a fading star grasping at glory.

He knows he can still contribute and knows that the moment he can’t, he’ll walk away.

So for all those saying Urlacher is too old, is finished or is over the hill, consider this.

There’s still few players you want your team’s running back to run into than Brian Urlacher.

He may be over the hill, but it’s a long way to the bottom on a gradual slope.

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