(The following is a weekly exclusive Q&A with Bears All-Pro linebacker Brian Urlacher conducted by FOXSports.com’s Senior NFL Writer/NFL Insider Jay Glazer. Urlacher has elected to conduct a weekly sit down with Glazer to open up about the latest news from the Bears, his play and overall league issues. Consider it Urlacher: Unplugged.)
How hard is it as a player to believe in a quarterback like Rex Grossman who has already been pulled because of poor play? Why would you possibly think it will be different now?
That first snap when (Rex) came into the game and he fumbled I was like, uh oh. I think he was just over-excited. Once he calmed down, he played great. I was excited for him, it was fun to see him get out there and have fun again. If he stays healthy and plays well I think he could be our guy the rest of the way. I’d like to see him stay at quarterback because he played well last week and I think we can win with him. The thing is, you keep talking about (the) quarterback but what we need to do is run the ball. If we can run the ball, it’ll help out whoever is back there at quarterback.
At 8-1, the Packers and Cowboys sit on top of your conference. Who do you think is the best in the NFC right now?
Right now I have to say the Cowboys are the best team in the conference because of the way they play, their style. We got pounded by Dallas but we beat Green Bay so obviously you can tell why I’m answering the way I am.
Last week you came off the bye with so much excitement and optimism. Heck, you went as far as saying you guys would almost run the table and make the playoffs. But there you were through three and a half quarters in Oakland down 6-3, how deflating was that?
Our offense was moving the ball well but after a few good drives we’d stall out. At no time in that game did I think we stink. It’s tough to play there. We never got down. If we lost that game it would have been really hard. We would have had to win out the rest of the games to get to the playoffs. It would have put our season in the tank. With Green Bay playing the way they are it would have been hard to comeback.
Devin Hester had a long return called back last week vs. the Raiders. What’s your reaction to the fact that teams still punt to him? You know, there are two sidelines they can easily kick it out of.
I don’t understand it. I’m glad they do it but I don’t think it’s very smart. The Raiders did a good job of covering him but if you keep kicking to him, it’ll pay off for us in the long run. He’ll get you more than he doesn’t. I think he tricked teams last week. He fooled the world into thinking he lost a step (laughs). I think he has too, they should continue to kick to him.
What do you think of Ricky Williams coming back?
If he passes all of his tests and he’s cleared to play, hey why not let him back. He’s done everything he’s been asked to do.
Are you surprised he was reinstated?
Yes, considering the tough stance the Commissioner has taken on everything. But like I said, he’s served his time and done everything he’s supposed to do. Let him back in then.
Do you suppose all the Bear fans will once again say we saved our season? They have to start Rex to see if hes worth keeping around for next year whether its a backup or otherwise. QB aint the only problem. The O-Line is aging fast and isn't that good to begin with. Benson is awful. They dont have any money. The Bears are on the downward spiral and Green Bay is ready to take back over for the long haul.
The problem is in the running game, less than 3 yards per carry. I'm 60 years old and could get more than 3 yards per carry. Get a good running back or maybe we have one already...his name is Devin Hester. When ####le Sayers played for the Bears he was the running back, kickoff and punt return man....
Once they figure out the RB position woes and guys start getting healthy we will return to dominance. Our secondary is decimated and the O-line needs to hold up a little bit better than they have been.
Words cant even describe how happy I am to see Rex back and I know most would disagree but I freakin love that guy! I like the way our defense was playing last week too, granted it was the Raiders but its nice to see some turnovers, it makes the game exciting! I thought Rex stepped up nice minus the fumble on the snap but hey Griese also did that too and he has been playing so no room for judgment there.
Rex has struggled but it is always cool to see him comeback and play well. Benson will pick it up evntually probablly not this year but evntually. The Bears still have a deep team and will be good over the next few years if they keep there core players. There are having a bad season so far but they will improve. If we can find a running back to help fill the void of Thomas Jones in the off season and a new wide reciever I think this Bears team will be alright in 2008. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BEARS!
Last edited by blueblazebyrd23 on November 14th at 7:32 PM.
I think now that Rex has seen what can happen when he doesnt make smart choices he will step up his game and carry us through the rest of the season. He is still a young QB and has to learn from his mistakes, and i think he has. I'm very happy to see him back, I think he has a lot of potential to be great.
I have two words for the Chicago Bears and their upcoming draft: Jake Long. Dude is a stud. (no one better to run block or protect your QB's blindside) He would've been a first rounder this past year but stayed for his senior season. Bears need to upgrade the O-Line and then get someone to run behind them.
Rex has an arm and the offense needs to open the holes for Benson and Benson needs to run like he did in college. Rex needs to be consistant and everybody needs to know that Jon Kitna had problems in the beginning ...this could be him too.
Sign McNabb in the offseason. Draft a decent RB and more O-Line guys. Cut one or two of the other 3 QBs and let the other back up McNabb. Draft anther QB to develop so you're not starting over next season. COME ON BEARS, IF I CAN COME UP WITH THIS, WHY CAN'T YOU???
As long as they simplify things for Little Wooden Head Rexie, he'll do okay...
Of course he's so mentally challenged that he has to be retrained every year... But he is "Special" just like the Olympics.
You know Rex is not the answer. Anybody but the Greise Ball his arm sucks. I don't get why they don't give Orton a shake. He can't be any worse than what they have put out there so far. The bigger problem is not the QB its the O line the RB and probably first and for most the stupid play calling. Open it up will ya Turner. Quit being so dammed conservative. At this point what do you have to lose.
This team needs a QB who is less flashy (note: less likely to turn the ball over). I say give Orton a go. This is a win by D team and what hurts them more than anything was letting Jones go in the off season. Benson is a better RB when he is sharing snaps just like Barber is in Dallas.
The Bears are doing okay with the money end of things. They need O line help. With a better O-line even Cedric Benson would get 3.5 yards per carry.
And I like the thinking about swinging a trade with Cleveland. It could be a Win Win. Lot's of extra Defensive ends hanging around Lake Forest that would look better in Cleveland for a QB.
i believe anyone in ####own would believe the bears u r leaker. what a big waste! the only reason they did anything last year was pure luck. even a blind squirrel can find a nut now and then. Sh.ttown sure has alot of nuts!
Griese or Grossman makes no difference as long as the Bears have Ron Turner as offensive coordinator. His play calling has all the imagination of paint drying. The offensive production would take a giant step forward by replacing Ron Turner.....real soon !!! Cedric Benson is a total flop. Find a running back. I think Corey Dillion paid his phone bill.
if the bears LOOSE to the PEE-HOAX, the season is over there is no team worse than PEE-HOAX, they are the most overrated bunch of soft *ussies in the whole league, every one saw what the steelers did to their *itch ####, this team was a HOAx is a HOAX & will always be a HOAx, so the bears better not loose to these *itches
I said it once and i will say it again, please post your hate on your own blogs, most of the haters on this blog got beat by the bears, and for the cowgirls fan on here, your team is the definition of one hit wonder, IF and i stress IF you make it to the superbowl, you will get blown away by the Patriots yet again, and next year you will be just like the Saints....everyone will figure you out, the bears have had back to back good seasons and have proven themselves over the past few years, i do think the bears will have a winnig record at the end of the season, but i don't really care if they go to the playoffs, no NFC team can beat the Patriots (as much as i hate them) they will win the Super Bowl, and i will not be watching. But the bears will return next year to once again claim the NFC title!!!
rightagain, thats funny thats your name because you couldn't be more wrong. The only reason they did anything last year was luck? Lets see, in 2005 they went 11-5 and in 2006 they went 13-3 which makes them 24-8 the last two seasons before this one. Also they had two playoff wins as well. That makes 26 wins in two seasons. If the squirrel finds the nut 26 times in 36 tries, that isn't luck, wouldn't you agree?
someone needs to let urlacher know that the bears have no shot at winning the division. the win against oakland isn't going to help. they may have a shot at the wild card, but i doubt it.
Lovie is a good loyal coach! He never loses his cool unless something is going bad.. even when he does its nothing like Arizonas coach from last year.. THE BEARS ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY, AND WE LET EM OFF THE HOOK.. LMAO when that happenes which I doubt it will then maybe some actions needs to happen. People act like it will take whatever changes they sugguest but they forget this is their jobs were talking about.. Its a lot more complicated than drafting McNabb but I do like the idea...
Another thing I love is when Bears haters say that they only win because of their defense and Devin Hester. Well, last I checked defense and special teams are two thirds of the game. If you have a better defense and better special teams than your opponent, that gives you an advantage over that team. So, how does that take away from the win at all?
I like that Grossman is getting the chance. He he blows it at least it was fair, if he has it together,again it is fair. on doesn't have it, how about Ricky or Dillon? We are trying to win the super bowl this year....
This is obviously a Bears fans blog, so I have a couple of things to say for you Bears' fans ( if you think Thomas Jones would have saved you from this season, check out what he is doing for the Jets, and Benson is Thomas Jones before he got traded to the Bucs)
Also when have the Bears ever had a real QB?All these clowns screaming for Greise or Orton know why they are backups so why are they screaming for them? Bears fans don't know a good QB because they have never had one so comment on Defense or Bratwurst some snit you all know about.
Pipes been down. Green Bay WILL be around for the long haul because A) they are the youngest team in the NFL and B) they are near the top as far as cap space available goes. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see they have the availability to pay their top players AND aquire a couple of key free agents. And I don't care if the Bears beat Seattle or not, either way they aren't going to the playoffs.
Good stats meader99. Bears fan...I think in todays NFL anything is possible including beating the Pats in the Super Bowl..With all this Bear QB talk, just think about the Pats with a QB who didn't even get to play in college, and I know he could of at a differen't college but still........
Im a die hard bears fan... but give me a break the mgt has ran that great defence to the ground.. when can we get a QB.... what were they thinkin when the let go of a proven RB... (THOMAS JONES) what are these guys thinkin.. rex should be on the practice quad and benson should be right there next to him... there both BUMS!!!!!!!!!!!
Just tossing a thought out there...no predictions, just what if's...what will all the haters say, if the Bears pull it out in Seattle, and win at home the following week against the Doncs? And during that same time span, Detroit loses to the Giants, followed by a loss against Green Bay on Thanksgiving? All of which could very easily happen. Just a thought, but in the next two weeks, thing could become even more interesting in the NFC.
Brian,
I find these deep thinking responses a bit odd...considering you are a white trash ####, who can barely read, much less spell. The guys on Chicago sports radio are right....if you couldn't play football you'd be delivering my pizza.
Last edited by FreddieC on November 15th at 6:28 PM.
So far I have only seen one smart comment, where's TJ (thomas jones)? ooohhh, that's right, mgmt IDIOTS let him go... Smart thinking, let a 1,000+ yard rusher go for someone who hasn't proven himself yet. I love the Bears, but when was the last time they had an offensive coordinator with some brass b*lls? I am so sick of a crappy running game. If you can't run it, then at least make it fun for the fans and spread that offense out and let it take flight.
Brian, last month i was driving down I40 and saw a car dealership sign in Tucumcari that that said home of Brian Urlacher ???? I've also been to Lovington and Know that to be your home!
I love the Bears...no body on earth wants to win more than they do ! A good fan is there when your team is winning as well as when it's not. But don't get me started on coaching staff or mgt.
I agree with insul8! I can't stand when people claim to be a Bears fan but the year before they were a Colts fan, and the year before that they were a Steelers fan. Wtf is that sh.yt? I've been a Bears fan since I was a little girl.. Don't come around me with the fake SH.YT..
By far and away, you are the leader of this team. Thank you for giving us Bears fans something fantastic to root for. You will have a bad back for the rest of your life, but you your tenacity will live on forever in the hearts of Bears' fans. The first Bears jersey I ever gave to my litlle brother was you home jersey. Thank you for playing your heart out - that's the Chigago Way...
Brian Urlacher is a six-time Pro Bowl selection who also holds the distinction of being just the fifth player to win both Defensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors during his career. The mainstay of the Bears' defense will speak frequently with FOXSports.com senior NFL writer Jay Glazer ... and we'll bring it to you here.
