Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011
Posted: 3:29 p.m.Updated: 6:50 p.m.
By John Mullin
CSNChicago.com Bears InsiderFollow @CSNMoonMullin
Brian Urlacher was at Halas Hall and at practice Thursday. But running back Marion Barber (calf) was out on Thursday after practicing on a limited basis Wednesday, not a good sign for Sunday. Guard Lance Louis (ankle), safety Chris Harris and receiver Roy Williams (groin) also did not practice Thursday.
The impact of Urlachers return following some time away after his mother Lavoyda died earlier this week was immediate.
His play speaks for itself, as good as anybody in this league for a lot of years, said coordinator Rod Marinelli. What else he brings is leadership to the defense, knowledge, command of the huddle, command of the system. Hes got a Ph.D in this system and it shows.
Hes the leader of our defense and in the locker room. They just have so much respect for him and not just as a player; how he conducts himself. Hes a pro, a real pro.
Looking ahead
Checked in with the folks on Versus to talk a bit of Bears-Saints this afternoon from 5-6 p.m.
"Where's Waldo?" NFL-style
NFL
The New Orleans Saints do not have one of the NFLs taller offensive lines. Only right tackle Zach Strief (6-7) is taller than 6-5, and center Olin Kreutz is 6-2. By contrast, the Bears have three linemen 6-6 or taller plus two tight ends each 6-7.
But the Saints have a running back in Darren Sproles who is nearly a foot shorter than his blockers. What that means is, good luck finding Sproles in among the tall timber, particularly with the Bears fielding defensive ends Israel Idonije (6-6) and Julius Peppers (6-7).
Theyve got big linemen, said linebacker Lance Briggs. Sometimes, it can be hard to find the little guy behind there. You know, scatback; hes a fast guy with quick little feet. He reminds me of one of those old Scooby Doo cartoons.
But seriously, folks...
Offensive coordinator Mike Martz has moved from the sidelines to the coaches booth on game days. He definitely took his sense of humor with him, too.
The advantage of being in the booth calling plays?
Good hot dogs, he quipped, laughing, then gave the real answer. Its quiet. You have a chance to take notes, and sort through things. Youre quicker with calls. I hadnt been up there in a long time, but its good. I like it.
Tweet, tweet
Brian Urlacher used his new Twitter account (@BUrlacher54) to thank well-wishers in the wake of his mother Lavoydas death earlier this week. He also sent along some good news on the football side of things:
Back at practice. Thank you for your thoughts. Please send donations to: The Lavoyda Fund co City of Lovington. Urlacher is from Lovington, N.M.
Punch it up?
Not long after he was drafted by the Bears in 1998, native Hawaiian Olin Kreutz asked me, tongue-in-cheek because he was a rookie and an offensive lineman at that, about endorsement possibilities. He already had a rep as a tough guy from a fracas with a college teammate, so he had an idea.
How about Hawaiian Punch, he said, laughing.
The Bears lost an enforcer when Kreutz signed with the New Orleans Saints. He has not been a fighter in games -- the really tough guys dont have to prove it very often -- but he is never reluctant to deliver shots within the flow of the game.
Im sure that there will be some words exchanged, said linebacker Lance Briggs. There will be some good contact, you know. Maybe there will be some blows.
He laughed: But if theres blows exchanged, hopefully Im giving them and not receiving them.
John "Moon" Mullin is CSNChicago.com's Bears Insider and appears regularly on Bears Postgame Live and Chicago Tribune Live. Follow Moon on Twitter for up-to-the-minute Bears information.