Meanwhile, Urlacher has been out...

[Patler]

I think you guys are in for a surprise. The Urlacher of years past would be a huge loss, but Urlacher has been slowed all year. They haven't been playing their Tampa 2 as much this year, and the main reason is that many feel Urlacher can't handle the deep drops anymore.

Maybe, but he still has an interception, 2 forced fumbles and 7 passes defensed through 12 games, pretty much right on with his career averages. His tackle numbers are down. Per the Chicago media, the biggest problem is that they really have no one to replace him, so even a slowed Urlacher will be greatly missed.

[pbmax]

Football Outsiders have a piece about the Bears defense suddenly taking a huge dip in Week 11 after performing at a record pace early. They were asking for input on personnel to help explain it. Show age on defense might finally be showing, but Urlacher's replacement could be a step up if only because he would be healthy.

[denverYooper]

Football Outsiders have a piece about the Bears defense suddenly taking a huge dip in Week 11 after performing at a record pace early. They were asking for input on personnel to help explain it. Show age on defense might finally be showing, but Urlacher's replacement could be a step up if only because he would be healthy.

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/dvoa-ratings/2012/week-13-dvoa-ratings

Interestingly, FO shows that Chicago's play against 1/2 WR has fallen off the most. Could be that Peanut's injury + new baby are affecting him and that is causing some falloff in the overall play of the D.

Matt Bowen made an interesting observation that the Bears D had a difficult time against the option run by Wilson. Might also explain their troubles vs. Kaepernick.

[swede]

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/dvo...3-dvoa-ratings

Interestingly, FO shows that Chicago's play against 1/2 WR has fallen off the most. Could be that Peanut's injury + new baby are affecting him and that is causing some falloff in the overall play of the D.

Matt Bowen made an interesting observation that the Bears D had a difficult time against the option run by Wilson. Might also explain their troubles vs. Kaepernick.

Cue .gif of Aaron faking Urlacher and Briggs out of their jockstraps.