Urlacher wants critics to back off
Linebacker gets testy when pressed about injury, level of play
By Vaughn McClure
Tribune staff reporter
October 18, 2007, 9:46 PM CDT
Brian Urlacher, the face of the Bears, frowned at any assumptions that his ailing back has caused a drop in production.
"No. I'm fine. None. Good," he said Thursday.
Then Urlacher really snapped.
"Was it on the injury report? Did you see the injury report? There you go," he said. "Check it out."
Urlacher's name hasn't appeared on the first two injury lists leading into Sunday's game against the Eagles. But as he sat at his locker Thursday, the defensive captain positioned himself upright, his back apparently stiff.
Even if the injury is more serious than initially thought, Urlacher won't make a big deal of it. Neither will coach Lovie Smith.
"Who's at 100 percent at this time of the year? You know, you have bumps and bruises this time of the year," Smith said. "I mean, Brian is healthy enough to play, like most of our other guys. … Our play doesn't have anything to do with injuries."
But no doubt the 2-4 Bears could benefit from a fully healthy Urlacher and defense. At this time last season, folks were marveling over Urlacher's heroic effort in Arizona, with his 25 tackles and forced fumble leading the Bears to a dramatic 24-23 come-from-behind victory over the Cardinals.
Urlacher has a combined 25 tackles over the last three games. And he stands a surprising second on the team in tackles with 54: Lance Briggs has 55 but has missed 1 1/2 games.
Urlacher was asked about Briggs taking over the team lead in tackles.
"Not worried about it," he said.
But people certainly are wondering why Urlacher had just five tackles against the Vikings last week and whether his back had something to do with the low numbers.
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Urlacher wants critics to back off on ChicagoSports.com
Urlacher wants critics to back off
Urlacher wants critics to back off
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