Lance Briggs pointed the finger at one person to blame for the Bears' 5-9 collapse the season: himself.
"If I was a better leader, maybe we win more games, period," the linebacker and defensive co-captain said during a community visit today.
"Who wouldn't take it personally? I'm not a leader by default. I'm a leader because I've earned the right to be a leader. So a lot of that burden does fall on my shoulders."
The Bears have little chance to atone, with just two games remaining in the season. But Briggs, who leads the team with 127 tackles, vowed the Bears would finish strong against the Vikings and Lions (toward the end of the following video):
Regardless of his humility, Briggs displayed his off-the-field leadership today. He gathered 30 underprivileged children from the Chicago Housing Authority and took them on a Christmas shopping spree at a South Loop Target, part of his annual "Briggs for Kids" event. The kids, ranging from ages 8 to 14, each received $200 gift cards. One little girl didn't even want to let go of Briggs' hand as the two strolled the aisles.
"Mr. Briggs' generosity will ensure that these CHA children are rewarded for their dedication to their schools, their communities, and, especially, themselves,'' CHA CEO Lewis A. Jordan said.
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That is some inspirational stuff. Never knew that opinions could be this varied. Thanks for all the enthusiasm to offer such helpful information here.
if every editor wrote like you believe me the world would be a better place! this was an excellent read expecting more!
This post is actually pretty great. Im looking for a project to volunteer in but i don't really know where to opt to for finding projects. i guess im in a rut!
Lance Briggs is the man but he is just not the leader Urlacher is. For those who like to talk shit on Urlacher now you saw what happened when he wasn't there. The defense is terrible. I think we all forget that from 01-06 Urlacher was the best linebacker in the NFL. Even in 07 in his "down" year he still had 123 tackles, 5 sacks, and 5 interceptions, and everybody wants to run him out of town. The only year Briggs was the best player on the defense was last year and this year by default. Sorry but thats the truth
Lance Briggs is the man but he is just not the leader Urlacher is. For those who like to talk shit on Urlacher now you saw what happened when he wasn't there. The defense is terrible. I think we all forget that from 01-06 Urlacher was the best linebacker in the NFL. Even in 07 in his "down" year he still had 123 tackles, 5 sacks, and 5 interceptions, and everybody wants to run him out of town. The only year Briggs was the best player on the defense was last year and this year by default. Sorry but thats the truth
I have missed those Creighton comments lately. Good to see all is well in your world but the Bears well the only way to make them right is to start at the top and clean house the good ole fashioned way, kick ars and take names!!
Happy Holidays and a stellar 2010 to all including the BEars
When L.B. talks, people should listen. He speaks well. I don't think I have ever heard him say, "I don't know what's wrong".
But we hear it every day from Turner/Lovie.
Nothing short of cleaning house will fix this mess.
Sweetness and Milehighshady.
I don't think there is any more doubt, if there ever was doubt, just how valuable Mike Brown and Brian Urlacher were to the Bears in providing leadership. I also think that there is a great lack of leadership on the offense. Did Olin Kreutz provide it? Obviously not and he seems like the only choice to have stepped up. Will Jake Cutler provide it next year? Will the coaching staff provide off the field leadership? The Bears have good players, but they have an offensive line that can't run block. Is there a fan out there who didn't wonder if the Bears would ever score six when they had first and goal inside the five? With no running game, Cutler and the young receivers had no chance. I believe some of the core players are there. I think some supporting players are there. I think the Bears need to hire, for the first time in memory, an offensive coordinator that can properly direct a passing game. I think the Bears need to find their leaders and I don't think they're going to find them with the present coaching staff. The Bears do not play with fire in their collective gut and there is no mistaking that the head coach does not inspire.
Lance Briggs. MVP player. MVP attitude. Unfortunately he can't overcome dumb coaching and goofy penalties by other Bear players. Next year Briggs will have a chance to lead a new batch of Bears and maybe see some new coaches.
This young man has grown as a person and a leader before our eyes. His statement last week about missing a teammate, and this statement says much about him. Lovee Smith can take some credit about how the approach to professionalism in the game should be approached. You can see this with a number of Bears.
Good for Briggs! Strong character is an important part of being a Bear forever.