An Ur-Lacking Presence

So there it was. Minnesota facing a 4th-and-1 on the Bears' 36-yard line, trailing by three with 4:12 to play in the third quarter. Gus Frerotte faked and rolled out looking for tight end Jimmy Kleinsasser, only to have him smothered by Bears Linebacker Brian Urlacher. With his primary option covered, Frerotte turfed the ball, giving it over to the Bears on downs. “That a baby, Urlacher” I shouted delightfully. Then something surprising and somewhat sad hit me. This was the first play of this season that I could actually recall Brian Urlacher making a decidedly big play. It’s a very sad thought as a Bear fan to think Urlacher could be loosing steam in his career, but the evidence is hard to ignore. If ever there is a big play being made on the defensive side of the ball this season, No. 54 just doesn’t seem to be in the area. It’s not just his play that evokes doubt. It goes without saying Urlacher is the life force of the defense; he has been since he’s ... (link)