LB's comments ring hollow when on IR and not on the field. Matt Bowen
Does anyone else agree with Warren Sapp’s comments from this morning when he appeared on the Mully and Hanley show (which is a personal favorite of mine here in Chicago) on WSCR-670?
Sapp, as heard this morning, uttered as bluntly as possible the words many Bears fans were thinking to themselves when it comes to Brian Urlacher: “Shut up.”
Those comments were similar to the many comments I have been hearing from Bears fans throughout this week. No one wants to hear from Urlacher, no one wants to hear what his feelings are on Jay Cutler vs. Kyle Orton and no one wants to hear that the feature running back of this organization can’t make anyone miss in the open field.
I understand that Urlacher is upset that he is being followed around by a reporter here in Chicago while his teammates are up in Minneapolis playing poorly, and I also understand what it is like to be put on in injured reserve—especially early in the season.
It, well, it sucks to be honest. You go from being a part of the game plan to becoming a ghost—as transparent as you can get. Coaches talk to you differently in the building, the general manager looks at you in a different way, and even the secretaries at the front desk aren’t as friendly.
Why? Because you don’t matter anymore. Whether you are Brian Urlacher—a jersey-seller in this town—or a guy like I was, who was just a guy on the team, you still mean nothing to that club.
Just stay out of the way, get your rehab and try to smile when you are receiving blank stares in the hallways. I get that he is passionate about being injured, and most likely frustrated, but he has dug a nice little hole for himself in this city.
Don’t become critical of the guys who are actually playing on Sundays. If anything, just let it go. Yes, I am sure that Urlacher most likely believes that he could make an impact, and that he could have made some key stops in the Vikings game.
However, you know what? It’s too bad—because he isn’t making plays right now.
Don’t throw your teammates under the bus and, for sure, don’t throw the new quarterback under the bus by comparing him to Orton. This franchise has already come under enough scrutiny for the Cutler trade by what has transpired on Sundays. The last thing they need is for the guy who is supposedly a leader on this team to make it worse.
We have to understand that Urlacher is, or in reality was, an icon when it came to sports figures in Chicago. Go to any Bears game and you would have seen hundreds of his jerseys being worn by guys eating hot dogs and pounding beers. But, Cutler’s No. 6 has replaced those No. 54 jerseys, taking over the tailgate lots in the South Loop next to Soldier Field.
And the story that came out on Yahoo Sports hasn’t done anything to change that shift of power when it comes to the face of the franchise.
Fans don’t want to hear it, and I guarantee those players in the locker room don’t want to hear it. If you are hurt, then get out of the way. Don’t criticize the guys that are out there working, because they don’t want advice from a guy who is on the sidelines.
It’s not harsh, it is just the reality of the NFL when you are put on IR.
Follow me on Twitter: MattBowen41
Unlike Urlacher, Brett Favre is making his presence felt on the field. Check out this article from Bleacher Report discussing the Vikes QB in relation to Elway and Montana.
This echoes a lot of what I've heard from Bears fans. They don't want to hear it.
The larger question is - Was Urlacher wrong? (not in saying it but what was said?)
It's hard to look at the season and their performance and not wonder how much truth is in what he said.
Kinda like when the wife asks "does my butt look big in this?" we all know the answer and we all know we can't give it.....
I wish I would have heard Sapp honestly.
Not a smart career move on Urlachers' part,in the event there is a regime change.
Fans are clammoring for change,and heads may not roll yet;
but even the whisper of management sending feelers out says volumes.
Lovie and company have lost this team,and the fans;can management be far behind?
Brian take your paycheck and be happy,people in the unemployment line,
aren't really sympathetic to your complaints and opinions.
Thanks for the link. Excellent.
In my opinion Urlacher is threatened that he is no longer the top dog on the Bears. It just sounds like sour grapes by Urlacher. This is not a new thing, Urlacher had an episode in the preseason calling Cutler a sissy.
Urlacher is right, and i cant believe that all you so call Chi-town fans where ready and still are ready to get Cutler outta town, but yet the only lasting person on your team with some pride has the gauls to say what he feels. So what hes hurt, you want him to act like nothings wrong when Forte is the worst RB in the league as a starter? His back-up IS missing tackles in the open field.
Urlachers right, and Sapp needs to shut his big mouth. And Cutler was a crybaby in Denevr, and hes going to be a bigger one in Chicago.....
Please try to include his entire title in furture - it's the Criminal Warren Sapp.
I guess some people just can't handle the truth. Don't shut up Urlacher, go ahead and be one of the few on this team that is actually speaking the truth and sees how horrible this team really is.
Very good article.
Thanks
Well said Matt.
@Owen- I guess if you have issues with your job, you can just publicly blast your co-workers and your boss, right?
Please.
Maybe YOU were treated like you didn't matter, Matt, but that's only because you didn't. Urlachler might not be the same player he was pre-injury but he's still the second best player on defense so I'm pretty sure he's not getting the 'Bowen treatment' while on IR.
Urlacher is a future Hall of Famer and IS the Bears franchise, especially now that Cutler has fallen flat on his face. He's also one of the leaders on the team, IR or not. He has the right to call it as he sees it. He's earned it. When somebody else on the team has done as much for the franchise as he has, they can bow up to him. Otherwise, the Bears should just STFU and win a game or two. And their fans are idiots to turn on the guy that made their team relevant this decade.
@ Mr. T.... Future Hall of Famer? Watch some NFL football son.
Super Squirrel,
Uh oh, did someone blast your boy, the over rated Urlacher? Boo.....
Hey, look it up, when Matt got hurt he had started over 20 games in a row. Ignorant comment from an ignorant Bears fan.
This is a classic example of a guy on the tail end of his career who can't stay healthy and can't make an impact anymore. No one is talking about me? OK, then I will make sure that they remember how good I used to be.
Get over yourself Urlacher, and if you think this guy is a Hall of Famer you don't know football.
Urlacher a HOFer? Not likely.
Like most loyal Bears fans,this season has been a real eye opener.Everybody got super excited when Kyle(a good not great QB) was sent to Denver for our 25 year old savior. Everybody is now frustrated with this season. I actually went outside and raked leaves I was so pissed off during one game. Anyway back to the point, Frustration can make anybody say stupid things. When you are or where the"guy" and you can't contribute and you've got some dweeb asking you inane questions, you're likely to trip over your own dick like Brian U. did.
I say lets get ready for next years turn around. Hell, half the Bears fans are Cub fans right?
Well those bitches are used to it !! See you next year Go Bears....Don't forget we get one more chance to beat Green Bay!!!! Merry Christmas
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Dec 02, 2009
04:58 PM
Couldn't agree more. Urlacher hasn't been a factor for years, yet he has time to bash his own team while hanging out with some chicks on a Sunday.
Loser.