Chicago Bears Mid-Season Report: Where's Brian Urlacher?

Its time for the Bears Mid-Season Report. At 5-3, the Bears are about 1 game over where I predicted them to be this year. (Remember I had them going 8-8 this season.) So needless to say, I'm pretty happy, the Bears are better than I thought they were (Again, thanks Coach Green). But let's delve into it a little more.

First, ask yourself is this team a Superbowl team? I don't care about playoffs, winning the division, etc., unless it means at least a trip to the big game. Right now the Bears are sub-par playoff team that can't run against 8 man fronts and can't rush the passer on defense. Its a pessimistic view. But, at least I'm being honest. When I think of the 2008 Bears, I think average, okay, better than expected. That's a recipe for a 1st round exit.

But, I am being a little too harsh. Because of teams like the Giants and the Steelers, its become less an less important to be great during weeks 4-10. To the contrary, all that really matters is being great in weeks 18, 19, and 20 (i.e. the postseason). The Superbowl Bears' team un-led by Grossman were great in weeks 2-6, but were only above average during the playoffs and Superbowl game. So what am I really saying here? Well just because we're playing okay now, doesn't mean that we can' t be great later on. Hey, if the Giants can do it, why can't we?

Back to reality and the offense. Orton's been pretty darn good. Forte is a breath of fresh air. Our WRs are okay, but still getting it done. Overall, the offense gets a solid B+.

Defense you ask? Well, lets get back on point. Where in the worl d is Brian Urlacher? He's got that new great contract, but isn't playing like a great middle line backer. I judge my Chicago sports's hero's on championships. MJ, the GOLD STANDARD, won about 4 championships before he really cashed in. Even better, after getting paid the big bucks, he still delivered 2 more banners. Now that's greatness. Urlacher? He used to be great. Unfortunately, he's just solid now. Of course, to be fair, its a lot tougher to be great in your 30s in football, than it is in basketball.

Put simply, our best defensive player, really isn't our best defensive player. Briggs and Tommie Harris took that mantle over. They're at the thanksgiving adults' table with Orton and Forte, while Urlacher, Grossman, Vasher, Kreutz, and Ogunleye are stuck eating chicken fingers at the kids' table.

Overall, the Bears defense isn't getting it done. They've been good stopping the run, but awfull at stoping the pass. Its okay to get away with that when you face QBs like Brian Griese, Matt Ryan, John Kitna, and Orlolvsky, but what happens when we play Eli Manning, Romo, or even McNabb again (and they're not even that great). Overall, the defense's mid-season grade is a C.

Let's hope the Bears start studying like they're about to take the Bar exam. To win it all, we need A's.