Hillenmeyer Takes Over At Middle Linebacker
By JERRY RILES
The Bears and Lovie Smith should be able to survive without the services of middle linebacker Brian Urlacher after it was announced on Monday that the 10 year veteran will miss the remainder of the season because of a broken wrist.
While Urlacher has been a serviceable player on the defensive side of the ball, he hasn’t been overwhelming in that position.
He is a great physical specimen and a pretty decent athlete, but to think the Bears defense will falter because he’s not in the starting lineup is kind of stretching it. I like Brian, but I think he’s a tad bit overrated.
The question was asked, could the Bears continue to make a run toward the Super Bowl, after it was revealed that Urlacher’s season was over, or were they done?
There are four individuals who can answer that question, or more importantly, must answer that question. They are GM Jerry Angelo, Head Coach Smith, Defensive Line Coach Rod Marinelli, and Quarterback Jay Cutler.
There lies the answer to the million dollar question. It’s not the receivers, the corners, or special teams.
Will Cutler settle down and produce the type of numbers he accomplished with the Denver Broncos last season? Can Marinelli develop the defensive line which will help take some of the pressure off the Bears’ corners, and is Hunter Hillenmeyer capable of filling in for number 54? Smith must keep the pressure on these guys to produce consistently and often throughout the season. This is the only way that run can continue.
Angelo must keep his eyes open for potential talent that may be available to help the Bears fill those holes caused by injury. I think the team’s depth is good but you’re going to need some impact players.
The Philadelphia Eagles sought the services of QB Jeff Garcia after starting passer Donovan McNabb suffered a cracked rib in Week 1. Garcia will backup the backup Kevin Kolb if McNabb can’t play.
The Bears were considering going after veteran 36-year-old linebacker Derrick Brooks who’s looking for a gig these days, but that interest has dissipated.
Urlacher recorded 93 tackles in the ’08 season with 79 of them solo. Many critics felt his performance fell off and that opponents knew how to attack the six-time Pro-Bowler and that was to run right at him.
Hillenmeyer played 16 regular season games back in the 2007 and recorded 101 tackles on the year. The first time in his career. He’s more than capable.
And if Marinelli does his job of getting the front four defensive studs to reach their potential the defense shouldn’t miss a beat.
The test begins this Sunday in Week 2 when the Bears take on the Pittsburgh Steelers at Soldier Field.
Brian’s subtraction from the defense just might mean an addition of superb play from the middle linebacker’s position. Only time will tell.
(Jerry Riles is a weekly 5on5 contributor featured every Tuesday in the RedEye)
