| 14 September 2009
Bears future hall of famer linebacker Brian Urlacher dislocated his wrist so severely last night that it required surgery and word came down today that Urlacher is done for the season. The ninth year veteran was looking healthy, strong and ready to play at a high level in 2009, but we will never know if he was truly back in form. The injury puts down one of the Bears' best defensive players, at a time when the defense appeared to be back in dominating form. Yes they lost to the Packers last night but it was turnovers by the offense that put the Bears in the position to lose. The Bears were shutting down the line at the point of attack and Urlacher was playing at a very high level. Urlacher was better using his size and ability to shed blocks and make plays at the point of attack.
The impact of Urlacher's loss for the season will be felt especially with Adrian Peterson appearing to be in dominating form, likely putting himself in a position to run for over 2,000-yards on the season.
The Bears according to reports have already been in contact with two linebackers, future hall of famer and former Lovie Smith pupil Derrick Brooks. Brooks and Smith developed a long standing friendship when Smith was linebackers coach in Tampa. Brooks is being talked about as a possible WILL 'backer meaning that Lance Briggs would move over to Urlacher's spot at MIKE. Brooks and Smith still talk on a near weekly basis and if Brooks has anything left in the tank would be a welcome addition to the Bears.
The question is just how in football shape is Brooks, missing out on the grind of training camp is a good thing for Brooks' body. But you hope that he is still in decent playing shape and can come in and make an impact. Brooks doesn't need to be the defensive front man, he just needs to be a contributor and let the players around him allow him to play better.
The question of signing Brooks seems to be a no-brainer given his knowledge of the defense. Brooks would be able to slide in and hopefully contribute within the next two weeks. How serious he is about coming back to play football will be a story we follow for the rest of the week.
Also the Bears are looking into former Penn State LB Tim Shaw a former fifth round draft choice by the Carolina Panthers. The Bears not only lost Urlacher last night but newly acquired Pisa Tiniosamoa went down with a sprained knee. Just how long Tiniosamoa will be out remains to be seen, but it's likely going to be a minimum of three games.
The Bears' defense did take a major hit last night with the loss of Brian Urlacher. There is no way around it no matter how you want to spin it, the Bears' defense is better when Urlacher plays well. Urlacher was poised to do just that, play at a high and healthy level that would have helped take the heat off of the offense.
Now Jay Cutler is officially the front man of the team, there is no question that this is Jay Cutler's team and that he needs to step up and be the leader. Cutler won't get a period of easing into the role of front man of the franchise, he is clearly the man now with Urlacher down.
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