Chicago Bears Veteran Leadership
There have been many things written about tomorrow’s game between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. One angle that hasn’t been discussed is leadership. I think the Chicago Bears have an edge in this category.
Let’s start of offense. While Jay Cutler and Matt Forte are two newer guys, Olin Kruetz has been the leader of the offensive line for a long time. While Mike Tice has done a wonderful job molding this unit, teammates will tell you that Kruetz is the one who gets in your face if he feels you’re not giving a full effort. He’s an effort guy and demands the same from his teammates.
I’ll never forget in his rookie season the Bears were playing against Washington. One of the Redskins taunted a Bear and Kruetz took a shot at the guy and was penalized. It was right then his reputation was beginning to be established. He’s a tough SOB and demands respect. We even saw that against Seattle last week. Toward the end of the game, he defended a teammate that was on the ground.
On special teams, Patrick Mannelly has been the long-snapper for a long time. He’s one of the best in football. He also covers kicks and sets the tone for this group. While he’s not as well known outside of Chicago, he’s one of the most respected Bears.
I’ve met Mannelly and seen the type of work he puts in off the field. I actually was rehabbing a broken ankle at the same gym where Mannelly trains. Holy crap! According to others in the facilities, he is always an extremely intense worker. If you don’t think that a guy who’s asked to do something maybe five times a game working his tail off doesn’t earn him respect, then you’ve got another thing coming. He wears a “C” for that reason.
On the defensive side of the ball, the list includes Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman and Julius Peppers. These guys play at a high level and can all make game-changing plays. There’s a reason why this unit is strong and it is large part to talent and leadership.
In the defensive huddle, there are seven guys that played in the 2006 Super Bowl for the Chicago Bears and one that got there with the Carolina Panthers (Peppers). In other words, eight of the 11 starters won an NFC title. Think that doesn’t motivate you a little more to get back?
I haven’t even mentioned guys like Israel Idonije, Roberto Garza, Brad Maynard and Rasheed Davis. These are veteran role players that certainly make an impact as well. All of these guys have made a huge impact at a point of the season.
While I’m not discounting the leadership on the Packers, I feel its an edge for the Chicago Bears.
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Green Bay Packer Nation Interviews Bears Headquarters
Its time for part two of my chat with John Rehor from Green Bay Packer Nation. See, we can all get along without killing each other. Follow him on Twitter at JRehor.
John: The Bears surprised some people this season with their winning the NFC North. What was the biggest reason they were able to be so successful?
Jonathan: Coaching. Let’s be honest, the Chicago Bears have solid coaches. The three coordinators are regarded as some of the best in the business and Mike Tice is a really good coach as well. He’s turned a horrible offensive line into a good one. I was pointing out to my father how fans want a “Ditka” like coach to scream and yell, but Lovie Smith always seems in control. His team reflects that attitude. Plus, let’s not discount the two possibly three Hall-of-Famers on defense. Finally, they’re running the damn football. Good things always happen when a team commits to the run.
John: The Bears defense returned to dominance this season. Who led the charge? Marinelli as D Coordinator? Acquisition of Peppers? A healthy Urlacher?
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Jonathan: All of the above. Plus don’t forget Lance Briggs and the emergence of some good defensive lineman.
John Devin Hester has regained, at least in my eyes, the title of most dangerous returner in the NFL after a few years of quiet. What’s different this season than the past two?
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Jonathan: It’s eighth wonder of the world why Hester struggled. If you asked me to guess, the team tried to have him too much and he finally has his role with this team. Plus, I think they’ve brought in some good special team’s players to help set things up.
John: Has Lovie Smith earned another contract extension?
Jonathan: Yes. He’s done an amazing job. Peppers said he came here because of Smith, and this team responds to his style. There are idiotic Bears fans that want Mike Singletary, and they’re on crack. I will admit I wanted him gone after last season, but he’s surrounded himself with a great staff and the team loves him.
John: Is there anything better than Packers/Bears with playoff implications in the final week of the regular season?
[picappgallerysingle id="10039509"]Jonathan: Nope. The networks are on the coasts, and they’ve lost track of how great this rivalry really is and always will be. You’re a good guy, but I hate your football team and want you to always hate the Bears. One idiot tried to sell me on the Redskins and Cowboys being a bigger one, and I’m still in shock. George Halas and Vince Lombardi are the Jedi Knights in heaven looking down and smiling. This is the NFL. It’s the way it should be. As I leave the game on Sunday, I hope to see a lot of disappointed Packers fans. Sorry folks.
Packers week is always fun. I really appreciate the help from John and the boys at Ol’ Bag of Donuts.
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Ol’ Bag of Donuts Interviews Bears Headquarters
Its my turn to get to be on the hotseat with my old friend Adam Somers from Ol’ Bag of Donuts (Green Bay Packers Blog). Follow Adam on Twitter at Olbagofdonuts for the latest Packer news.
Adam: Lovie Smith has said he plans on playing his starters the full game Sunday. Unless Carolina beats Atlanta for probably the upset of the year earlier in the day, is this such a good idea against a team that needs to win at all costs?
Adam: Peppers, Urlacher and Briggs are all Pro-Bowlers to no one’s surprise, but who is this the MVP of the defense this year for the Bears?
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Jonathan: Wow, great question. I’ll say Peppers because he’s the obvious answer. However, Urlacher is the leader of the defense. Despite the numbers put up by Clay Matthews, I really think these two are more valuable.
Adam: Cutler has cut his turnovers in roughly half from last season, what do you think has been the biggest reasons for this?
Jonathan: Sunday’s game, unless about three things earlier happen, will be a tough game to use as any sort of measuring stick. I know your readers aren’t going to like this answer, but the Packers are a Jekyll and Hyde team. Losing to the Lions was beyond inexcusable. I’ve heard the excuses, but a championship team has to win that game. I was impressed in the Patriots game, but the Patriots made the two plays they needed to in order to win. Obviously the Giants game was impressive. I think the Packers’ defense is overrated. Aaron Rodgers is a stud. He’s got good receivers and a fair offensive line. I’m sure I’ll hear from your readers, but I’m being honest. The Packers have to get a lot better before I’ll crown them. By the way, for the record, I’m not sure if the Bears are that complete team either. But, I think the Bears’ record certainly shows they’re a good football team.
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This was a lot of fun. I really appreciate having a working relationship with the enemy.
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Bears Headquarters Sits Down with Ol’ Bag of Donuts
I had a chance to talk with my old friend Adam Somers from Ol’ Bag of Donuts (Green Bay Packers Blog). Tomorrow, my answers to the questions will appear from his blog. By the way, follow Adam on Twitter at Olbagofdonuts for the latest Packer news (OK, stop booing…he’s a realistic Packers guy).
Adam: Easily. Before Hester, Dante Hall had a good run, but that only lasted one year. The same for Desmond Howard during the Packers’ championship team in 1996. Hester is a lot more talented than them and has proven his staying power. Of course he is enjoyable as a pure football fan. I just hate watching him when he plays the Packers because he is the scariest player on the Bears in my eyes, even more so than Urlacher and Peppers. The Packers better not kick to him on Sunday.
Jonathan: Convince me that the Packers defense is better than I think…
Adam: Their secondary is very good with three Pro Bowl caliber players in Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams and Nick Collins. Because of that they are one of the best teams in the league in creating turnovers, which they had six of last week. Yes, their pass rush is less than desired outside of Matthews, but it is hard to throw on this team. Two weeks ago they held Tom Brady to roughly 160 yards passing. The isn’t the greatest against the run, but aren’t the worst either. Lack of depth in the front seven because of injuries have hurt a lot. So, I would say the main reason they are better than you think is their ability to create turnovers and pretty stout against the pass.
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Jonathan: What do the Packers need to do to get to the Super Bowl?
Adam: To be completely honest and a lot of our readers may not like this, but they need luck and a lot of it. Don’t get me wrong, I am behind this team 100% and think if things break their way they have a shot, but there might be too many if’s. They need to stay healthy because they are now starting guys who weren’t even with the team earlier this year. They also need to build on their slightly improved running game from the last two weeks. They need to generate some kind of pass rush opposite of Matthews, which may happen with the return of Cullen Jenkins. They need to be able to protect Rodgers. But, most importantly they need to win close games, something Mike McCarthy has struggled mightly with. I am not saying it is impossible to get to the Super Bowl as a #6 seed because it has happened before, but it will take a lot of things to go right. However, with a QB like Rodgers there is a chance.
Jonathan: You’ve been on the “Bears are a good team” bandwagon for a while…why do some experts still doubt this team?
Adam: I think because their really isn’t anything that stands out as great on this team besides their return game. The Bears’ offense isn’t great, but it is efficient, effective and has enough juice to make big plays when needed. The defense has some holes in the secondary, but still is a very good defense, but maybe not great. I also think their is still a lot of negative stigma around Cutler. He has played a lot better this year (can’t get much worse than last year), but still hasn’t won a lot of people over. A playoff win would definitely silence a lot of doubters.
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Jonathan: Who wins the NFC?
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Pro Bowl Bears
Four Chicago Bears will be heading to the Pro Bowl (and hopefully not playing because they are getting ready for the Super Bowl). Julius Peppers is a starter and Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher and Devin Hester are reserves.
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While I am happy for these guys, I am wondering why Corey Graham was left off the roster. He’s bad a sensational year on special teams. If he played for the Steelers, there would be a parade for him. I’m just saying…
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