Brian Urlacher is the most recognizable Bears defender, maybe even the most recognizable Bears player, after how long he’s been there. However, the Bears are reportedly pessimistic about his availability for the opener, according to NFL.com, after two knee surgeries this offseason. Urlacher also got what’s colloquially known as “Kobe surgery” in Europe this offseason, referring to the platelet rich injection that Kobe Bryant famously started getting over the past couple of years.
It’s doesn’t sound like, either way, that Urlacher will miss that many games with this injury and may even be ready to go week 1. However, it’s definitely a concerning situation for a player who is entering his age 34 season. Urlacher was ProFootballFocus’ 12th rated middle linebacker last season, but if his body is breaking down, his days of being that kind of player might be over.
Still, the Bears should be able to have one of the best defenses in the league again this season. Urlacher is hardly their only good player and linebackers are not quite as important of a position as guys who rush the passer or cover receivers. The Bears have a great pass rusher in Julius Peppers, a budding star at defensive tackle in Henry Melton, two young, talented defensive lineman in Shea McClellin and Stephen Paea, and, a strong secondary that allowed just 6.8 YPA last season, 8th best in the NFL, on top of, of course Lance Briggs and Urlacher when healthy.
They ranked 14th in the league, allowing 21.3 points per game last year, but were less than a point per game out of the top-10. They could have a top-10 defense to compliment what was a top-10 offense last year before injuries to Jay Cutler and Matt Forte, averaging 26.8 points per game in 10 games and going 7-3. That points per game figure would have ranked 5th in the league last year, had they maintained it over a season. The Bears also added Brandon Marshall this offseason and did some addition by subtraction by getting rid of Mike Martz, whose scheme their personnel never fit. They’re one of the league’s best teams and could be Super Bowl contenders.
If you’re interested in doing a fantasy football league with me, here’s the link (no draft date set yet, currently standard, with the option to become PPR with group vote). http://msn.foxsports.com/fantasy/football/commissioner/Registration/Private.aspx?league=55086&password=FanSpot2
[switch_ad_hub]
[switch_ad_hub]
[switch_ad_hub]
Football Fan Spot 