By Dan Pompei
Of course Brian Urlacher doesn't like what has happened to the identity of the Bears. Who does?
The point that is being missed here is no one chose for the Bears to take on a new identity. The coaches and players liked the old identity and planned to stick with it, but maybe add a little spice with Jay Cutler's big-play ability.
Of course Brian Urlacher doesn't like what has happened to the identity of the Bears. Who does?
The point that is being missed here is no one chose for the Bears to take on a new identity. The coaches and players liked the old identity and planned to stick with it, but maybe add a little spice with Jay Cutler's big-play ability.
The problem is this team is no longer capable of playing with its
former identity. The Bears can't run the ball, so they have to pass. If
they hand it off 30 times a game to Matt Forte, they will average two
yards per carry and the opponents' safeties still won't back off.
Their best chance to win is with the ball in Cutler's hands. Of course, they can't pass the ball very well, either. But that's a different story.
The coaches of this team are handcuffed. There isn't a game-planner or a play-caller in the world who could get much out of this group.
It's all a little baffling, given the fact that the running game worked pretty well a year ago with most of the same players. But last year is gone. The Bears have to find a different way to do it going forward.
They need a new identity or new players. Or both.
Their best chance to win is with the ball in Cutler's hands. Of course, they can't pass the ball very well, either. But that's a different story.
The coaches of this team are handcuffed. There isn't a game-planner or a play-caller in the world who could get much out of this group.
It's all a little baffling, given the fact that the running game worked pretty well a year ago with most of the same players. But last year is gone. The Bears have to find a different way to do it going forward.
They need a new identity or new players. Or both.









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The clock at the top of your page is 10 minutes fast. Does this have anything to do with your analysis?
You can't pass or run without talent on the offensive line. You also can't stop the pass or run without talent on the defensive line. As much as the game has changed over the years, there is one area that has not - the trench is where games are won and lost PERIOD!
I disagree - the game is still about running the football and stopping the run. The old adage still runs true - the game is won or lost in the trenches. The Bears are awful on both sides of the ball and that's why they are losing. Throwing teams can't protect leads without a running game. As for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the guy is twisting facts to make a point - the Steelers never had much of a passing game and never will - their game is similar to the Bears, run and play good defense. The Colts are unbeaten but no one gives them a chance in the playoffs, & I agree, they don't have a running game.
urlacher should be more worried about what he has done for the team in the last 3 years.if every player did that maybe we might have something with a small resemblance to a footbal team.
does Urlacher not play in the NFL? Where has he been everyone knows this is now the passing league all the good teams have franchise qbs & high powered offenses look at the colts,saints,vikings & pats. Whether Mr. Urlaacher likes it or not change happens &* you either adjust to it or your history. Getting Cutler was a step in the right direction he just needs some help. Sounds like Urlacher is pissed because he is no longer the face of the franchise. He better be careful if he doesn't like the Besrs new identity than he may find himself getting another identity on another team.
Hey people get into the 21st century!1 The game has changed and the Bears had better change with it! What team wins with defense and running the ball? It is with throwing it and the other parts supplement the pass. Lets see who has won SB in last 10 years, every team throws the ball i.e. Colts, Patriots, Rams, etc. The Steelers last year had great defense but average run game, they threw the ball. If you can't throw it then you lose in the long run. Very Obvious to people with half a brain and it is apparent those who don't realize this will back losers forever. Urlacher is a defensive player and should talk that way but realistically passing will win the most games.