Speak Up: Urlacher on the Bears’ Identity
Published by Jake Perper on November 30, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Bears defensive leader, Brian Urlacher, who was injured in week one against Green Bay had lots to say about this year’s team.
Here is what he said:
“I just wish I could be out there battling, when I go to the facility and see the guys, I feel like I’m in the way.”
“Look, I love Jay, and I understand he’s a great player who can take us a long way, and I still have faith in him. But I hate the way our identity has changed. We used to establish the run and wear teams down and try not to make mistakes, and we’d rely on our defense to keep us in the game and make big plays to put us in position to win. Kyle Orton might not be the flashiest quarterback, but the guy is a winner, and that formula worked for us. I hate to say it, but that’s the truth.”
“I’m not taking a shot at Jay. I’m not one bit taking a shot at Jay, he throws it better, right? And we haven’t tried to run the ball as much. That’s true.
“But Kyle has won games. His formula works. So I’m not taking a shot at Jay or Kyle.”
“I do like Jay, he’s a cool dude. But the way things are going right now, anything you say that appears to be derogatory, they’re going to run with it. That’s for damn sure.
“People are going to think I’m taking shots at my teammates, but I’m not. The guys that have been around here and have played with me would know my tone of voice when I’m saying that (stuff). I don’t feel like I said anything bad about Jay.”
“You know why that doesn’t work? We don’t make anyone [expletive] miss. I guess I just don’t realize what great tacklers these [opposing defenders] are. They’re amazing.”
“Minnesota’s a good-tackling team, and they were up on our receivers pressing all game along, they never backed off. That’s all I was saying.”
“I believe in Lovie, and I hope I get to play for him for a long time, I really think we’ll come back stronger than ever next year, and then everything will take care of itself. I know we have what it takes. I believe in this team, and trust me, I will do everything I possibly can to help us get better next season.”
all quotes from chicagosuntimes.com
Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com and www.MVN.com.
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