The 10 Most Important Bears in 2009 - #2

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 28, 2009 11:00 AM CDT Comment 41 comments

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In this ongoing series, I'll look at which Bears I think will need to contribute the most in 2009 for them to have a successful season. Some things I thought about when compiling this list were: what potential impact they may have, how much the team will look to the individual for guidance or leadership, how badly the team would suffer if they lost the player to injury, and other intangible attributes. Hopefully this series will spark some good off-season Bears discussion!

#2 Brian Urlacher - Middle Linebacker

Quick. Who is the back up middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears?

Yahoo sports has no one listed backing up Urlacher. Either does The Sporting News, ESPN, or Fox Sports. CBS Sports has Mike Rivera listed as the #2 MLB. Mike Rivera? How about we let the undrafted rookie free agent make the team before we anoint him second string MLB? What about RotoWorld? Well, at least they have Hunter Hillenmeyer listed #2 on the depth chart, as does Brad Biggs of the Sun-Times. Then again, wouldn't you consider Hunter on the bubble to make the team this training camp? Biggs does; in the very same piece referenced a second ago.

The Bears team site doesn't have a depth chart for the '09 season up yet, but last year they had one up listing Nick Roach as Urlacher's back up. I did find a Fox Sports depth chart for week 17 last year listing Gilbert Gardner as the #2 MLB. The same Gilbert Gardner that isn't on the '09 roster.

OK, I'm sure by now my point is hammered home. The Bears without Brian Urlacher is like an Italian Beef with no Giardeniera. The potential is there to be real good, but something is just missing. In his 9 year career Urlacher has missed only 7 games, all in 2004, and the Bears lost all 7 of them.

When Lovie Smith accepted the Head Coaching position with the Bears before the 2004 season, I'll bet he was salivating with the thought of a 6'5" middle linebacker sprinting down the middle of the field in his version of the Tampa 2 defense he brought with him. No other MLB in the league has the size/speed combination and ball skills of Brian Urlacher. Without Urlacher the Bears defense simply can't do some of the things they'd like to do.

The Bears D is set up for the weakside linebacker to make plays, so I'm sure Lance Briggs will get his 100+ tackles again, but it's the unique play of Urlacher that they'll need to be a top 5 defense again. All early reports are that he's healthier than he's been and he's in great shape. A Pro Bowl return for Urlacher is a definite possibility.

The List so far:

#10 - Nathan Vasher - Cornerback

#9 - Kevin Payne - Strong Safety

#8 - Rod Marinelli - Defensive Coordinator

#7 - Devin Hester - Wide Receiver / Return Specialist

#6 - Lovie Smith - Defensive Coordinator

#5 - Matt Forte - Running Back

#4 - Orlando Pace - Left Tackle

#3 - Tommie Harris - Defensive Tackle

#2 - Brian Urlacher - Middle Linebacker

If you missed any of the list so far just click on the link.

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Comments

Danieal Manning might be the back-up MLB.

And you are right, Urlacher will definitely be needed in order to make a push in the North. Like we keep saying, it all starts up front. If we can get the push needed from our front 4, Urlacher should have more freedom to do what he does best… play sideline to sideline, instead of having to reel backwards from the box.

Be nice. Flag comments that you think are offensive. Use the "reply" button. Drink plenty of water. Compliment others. Rec (wreck) comments and posts you like. Don't call people names. If you don't like someone's comment, attack the comment and not the commentor. Learn the difference in your/you're, then/than, to/too. Exercise. Relax. Stretch often. Find good in the world.

by Dane Noble on Jul 28, 2009 11:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Brian----

Doubters and hand wringing whinners. You are a sad bunch but I guess it’s been so long since you have had anything about our Bears to be happy about that you are caught in a rut. Our team has improved 50% in this past off season and you just won’t believe that it’s happening until someone stuffs it down your throat. That’s some support FANS ( NOT ). Everyone has worked harder and really shown a lot of improvement especially BRIAN. Don’t forget that he has been conditioning himself ALL of the off season to strengthen his repaired injuries and has himself involved in a program that will bring him close to back to his old self including his mental outlook. He was very good last year but he is much-much improved this year along with the front four and the backfield. You who have so little faith! Get some and try it because it will work this year and more years in the future.

by E.T. on Jul 28, 2009 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey ET, I have no idea what you are talking about. So here is a pic of a bunny with a pancake on its head.

by Dane Noble on Jul 28, 2009 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs

LMFAO!!!!

THANKS ALOT!!! YOU JUST GOT ME IN TROUBLE AT WORK!!! (REKKED)

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.

by windycity72 on Jul 28, 2009 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Absolutely hysterical.

Well done.

- Smudgers

"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox

by smudgers on Jul 28, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

where do you find these random pics?

that looks delicious. i don’t like pancakes though.

by genetic on Jul 28, 2009 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trust me bunnies and pancakes is

one of the least wierd things you’ll find on GB’s search history.

Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!

by Adam T on Jul 28, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love that damn bunny!!!!!

I'm teaching fools some basic rules.- MR.T

by Ditkavsworld on Jul 28, 2009 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

WOW!

That is absolutely HILARIOUS! Seriously man. I was just as confused as you were by E.T.’s post. But this capped it perfectly. Thanks for the all day laugh man.

by Boilerbuzz on Jul 28, 2009 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and what's a whinner?

is it a whiner who also is a winner? that’s a pretty rare bird but as long as we’re winning i’ll take it.

i’m a winer…uh, i mean wino.

by genetic on Jul 28, 2009 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

GeauxBears

This was in reference to those fans that think it is necesessary to post negative comments about their supposed home team. 99% of you don’t have the qualifications to pass judgement on these players. If you were qualified the Bears would be paying you the big bucks to run their organization. It’s not even pre-season game time yet. Give the guys a break and wait until it starts before you tear them a new a**hole. This team will give their all for you fans especially if you give them something to be proud of.

Good lookin bunny. Down south they serve fried chicken on waffels so why not bunnies on pancakes!!!

by E.T. on Aug 8, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think

We should sign Michael Vick as his back up

by BigAppleBearsFan on Jul 28, 2009 11:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

no thanks

to Vick

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 28, 2009 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think reality tv has fried your brain

no drama for me, please.

by genetic on Jul 28, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ok seriously...

Vick at MLB? It was a joke guys…maybe not a really funny one, but the discussion is about Urlacher.

by BigAppleBearsFan on Jul 28, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I picked that up right away.

Then a started reading serious responses to it and thought I read it wrong. Lol

by rdent4hof on Jul 29, 2009 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I did the same thing.

- Smudgers

"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox

by smudgers on Jul 29, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

!?!

when I first read it I thought he was angling for Vick to be Cutlers back up… oops…

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 29, 2009 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I had a response all typed up and then re-read what he wrote and laughed at myself. What do you do?

- Smudgers

"Newbie, if the next two words out of your mouth aren't 'See ya' then the third word will be 'Oh my god. My crotch. You've punched me in my crotch." - Dr. Percival Ulysses Cox

by smudgers on Jul 29, 2009 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wasn't "What's Eating Gilbert Gardner" a movie with Johnny Depp?

If BU could only play as good as he pouts………then there would be no doubt.
I don’t think he want’s It anymore. I don’t see the intensity or the desire that we saw before he got the money or the money extension. I think he’s made us the fools.
I do hope I’m wrong about this, but………………

by Grizly1 on Jul 28, 2009 11:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

oh shucks...

i am quite surprised if yahoo sports didnt have sexy rexy as our starting qb still….
I dont believe depth charts until the season starts. But Urlacher is a beast and my favorite player of all time. Personally i think Jamar Williams will be his back up since pisa should be on the strongside with roach/hillenmeyer as potential backups. also have marcus freeman who could be groomed to be urlachers replacement.

Bring back our honey bears...sick and tired of hearing about the dallas cowboy cheerleaders and the bars they go work at when they quit. cold weather + cheerleaders in skimpy outfits = lots of fun

by tomh115 on Jul 28, 2009 11:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

aw shucks...

i wouldnt be surprised if yahoo sports didnt have sexy rexy as the starting qb…they do have davis listed as our no 1 wideout after all…..
Urlacher is a beast and deserving of no 2 if not 1…but i am sure it was a close call. I think we may have jamar williams backing him up should he go down..we also have hillenmeyer who should make the roster at 3rd string and marcus freeman who could be groomed into an eventual replacement of urlacher.

Bring back our honey bears...sick and tired of hearing about the dallas cowboy cheerleaders and the bars they go work at when they quit. cold weather + cheerleaders in skimpy outfits = lots of fun

by tomh115 on Jul 28, 2009 11:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

it sucks when

computers act up and you end up posting the same thing twice..it makes me look like a

Bring back our honey bears...sick and tired of hearing about the dallas cowboy cheerleaders and the bars they go work at when they quit. cold weather + cheerleaders in skimpy outfits = lots of fun

by tomh115 on Jul 28, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

or those who did twice, and failed to notice either time...

or those who did twice, and failed to notice either time…

(sorry… couldn’t help myself)

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.

by windycity72 on Jul 28, 2009 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

lol

I'm teaching fools some basic rules.- MR.T

by Ditkavsworld on Jul 28, 2009 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LMFAO...

cann ot typo, still LMFAO.

Wow… Thanks everybody, I had a shit day at work and I needed a laugh like this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by LostInSTL on Jul 28, 2009 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Urlacher needs to show this year

or just be better even though he was good last year. I heard he was going to do better because he had been working out with the team all offseason

Carlos Guillen, the Latino Punto

by The_Fan on Jul 28, 2009 11:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I like the steps Urlacher is taking to return back to that pro bowl form this season with him participating in all the Bears off-season workouts.

by NiqueBears on Jul 28, 2009 11:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

We pretty much say the same thing every pre-season

Urlacher and the front four need to step up for the defense to return to form. If Harris and the front four play like they did during the super bowl run, it’ll allow Urlacher to be much more productive in the middle.

by JimmyMack on Jul 28, 2009 12:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

#10 might move up a bit.

If Tillman misses anywhere near the 10 weeks the Sun Times says he might.

If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.

by Just Dave on Jul 28, 2009 1:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think Bowman will be an OK replacement til Peanut returns…

and the extra reps will make him a better player

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jul 28, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The thing with that is

Bowman has been “injury prone” and has not had a “healthy season” or finished a season since 2006….

"There is no such thing as good or evil....Only power and those to weak to seek it....."

- Jerry Angelo

by CloudyFuture on Jul 28, 2009 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

For you.

I'm teaching fools some basic rules.- MR.T

by Ditkavsworld on Jul 28, 2009 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cool

dunno how I got that but always love the fail pictures as they humor me….

"There is no such thing as good or evil....Only power and those to weak to seek it....."

- Jerry Angelo

by CloudyFuture on Jul 28, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Glad you liked it. I can't take credit for it GeauxBears was the first to use it.

But here is why you got it.

You said.

Bowman has been "injury prone" and has not had a "healthy season" or finished a season since 2006….

Then Just Dave said this.

Bowman was a rookie last year.

I'm teaching fools some basic rules.- MR.T

by Ditkavsworld on Jul 28, 2009 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah Ok

Well I was referring to his injuries in college then

In fall practice before the 2006 season, Bowman tore his ACL and missed what was supposed to be his senior year. He decided to stay in Lincoln to finish out his collegiate career instead of entering the 2007 draft and suffered more injury woes in spring practice in March, rupturing the patella tendon in his right knee.

He was able to recover and play hurt in 11 games, with 29 tackles, one interception, and six pass breakups, despite starting only four games in 2008

"There is no such thing as good or evil....Only power and those to weak to seek it....."

- Jerry Angelo

by CloudyFuture on Jul 28, 2009 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Got ya

Just read like you meant being with Chicago. I get you now. Well I take the fail back, but enjoy the pic anyway.

I'm teaching fools some basic rules.- MR.T

by Ditkavsworld on Jul 28, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lmao!!!

rough crowd!!!

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.

by windycity72 on Jul 28, 2009 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bowman was a rookie last year.

And just made the practice squad before being called up to fill in in our depleted secondary. If Tillman misses significant time this could be a bigger blow than most fans seem to anticipate.

If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.

by Just Dave on Jul 28, 2009 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs