Cover 2 Not To Blame For Urlacher's Woes
by Adam T on Nov 13, 2008 7:53 AM CST
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We and most everybody else have been quick to blame the Cover-2 Scheme for the problems with the Bears defense and that still could be true, but MLB Brian Urlacher says it has nothing to do with his play.
"Brian hasn't made as many plays so far this year as he has in the past," Bears coach Lovie Smith acknowledged during a conference call with Wisconsin reporters Wednesday. "(But) that's the beauty about having so much football to go. We've been disappointed with some things we've done defensively, but at the same time we're pleased with some of the things we've done. Brian has been a part of that. I'm hoping he'll, along with the rest of us, pick it up a little this week."
Urlacher, who battled through back problems last year, said his health isn't an issue, and he also passed up a chance to blame Smith's Tampa-2 defense, which drops him into coverage fairly often, for limiting his opportunities to make plays.
"I mean, I won (NFL) Defensive Player of the Year in this scheme (in 2005), so I must've been doing something right," Urlacher said. "Just getting myself in more positions to make plays, that's what it comes down to. It has nothing to do with the scheme or the calls."
The bonus is that Lance Briggs has picked up his play, but there is not doubt for us to have a chance is if everybody on this D steps up their game and that starts with the team captain.
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Just Have to Wonder
If offenses are adjusting to our defense. While we certainly need our D to step it up a couple of notches, we also need to make defensive adjustments. At some point, we can’t continue to say “the defense will work if our players make it happen.” We aren’t making it happen, so something has to give. I mean, the guy who got replaced by Culpepper looks like a Pro-Bowler against us (Orlovski), and Kerry Collins… Kerry Freaking Collins!? //Facepalm
By the way… you can’t replace Urlacher’s heart, which is why they gave hime more money. But he has slowed way down over the last couple of seasons, and can’t make sideline to sideline plays like he used to. He sacrificed his body for this team over the years, and the wear and tear is becoming obvious.
Residence: Portland, Oregon Pro Team: Da Bears NCAA Football: LSU Baby!! Make sense?
Covering for the boss
He’s being a good team leader and not placing blame on anyone but himself. But I do recall him making a few plays that should be considered sideline to sideline. The way Babich and Lovie used him and Briggs on passing plays was absurd.
"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus
You are right...
He has made a couple of across-the-field plays that were incredible. But the days of seeing that week after week, terrorizing the offenses, are over. A couple of great plays here and there are what you see from an average middle linebacker… but he is fraking URLACHER.
He still has the killer instinct, and I would never question his Superman heart and dedication, but his body can’t seem to keep up with his desire.
Residence: Portland, Oregon Pro Team: Da Bears NCAA Football: LSU Baby!! Make sense?
Brian says
it has nothing do with his play? Where does he say that? He says it has nothing to do with his back. He says it has nothing to do with the scheme. Nowhere does he say it has nothing to do with his play.
it
“it has nothing to do with his play” means the cover 2 scheme has nothing to do with his bad play, which is something he says clearly. This is why the word “it” is such a crappy word to use, but the “it” in refers to “cover 2 scheme,” grammatically and logically speaking.
Urlacher is sucking, and I’m glad he admits that his health and the scheme aren’t to blame. He really can’t, considering he leveraged his past performances on getting an upped contract. If he said he’s injured then he looks like a cretin for demanding more money knowing he isn’t at full health.
He’s my favorite Bear, but his play has been completely mediocre this year. He rarely shows up in the plays and too many times he’s looked like a rookie in his tackling. I do wish he’d stay off the line of scrimmage though. I’m personally just tired of looking at a 7-4 defense, with the LBs stacked at the line. Even when they go back into coverage it does seem like Babich has fallen too much in love with trying to show blitz and then falling back into coverage.
Can’t the element of surprise be to blitz from off the line, in normal linebacking position? I’d personally prefer Urlacher INTs in the middle than some of the easy sacks he’s gotten due to being unblocked at times. Those sacks haven’t benefitted the defense because of the long pass plays being allowed.
Overally, the constant showing of blitzes makes it easier for not only TEs and WRs to find room in the middle of the field, but we also see more chances for RBs to slip out of the back field in the scheme. I’d love to see the LBs play more of the underneath, 5-10 yard zone, and then let CBs play more man.
gee lovie
way to push urlacher under the fucking bus. your right, he hasn’t made any plays and that’s why we are losing games we should be winning. has nothing to do with the other 10 guys on defense or the defensive coordinator or you who is supposed to be a fuggin defensive minded coach.
never did i think out of all the coaches on this staff that i’d want to keep ron turner over everyone else.
I thought I'd die before I wanted to keep Ron, but I'm with ya.
Althought not AS much on board as you are about Lovie. If someone could smack the LovieSpeak outta him, I’d like him more.
I'M A MAN! I'M 22!
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