Thread: Urlacher: “Preseason just ended for me"

Originally Posted by Henry Burris

It may sound negative (and i'm always trying to be positive about things), but the bottom will fall out on defense at some point. Not saying they'll "suck", but there will be at least a game or two in which the defense is figured out, and we need Urlacher to get to the highest level he can get, if not now, then hopefully midseason. I'm not really upset with the offense at this point, only because the D is carrying them, and not falling apart because of that like previous seasons. I wouldn't even necessarily give us a "time frame" for everything to come together, because it IS relevant to note that several SB winners of late have not played great in the beginning and hit their stride later in the season; that is to say, all this great play early, i hope, is not our "peak"

I think it is fair to say that the D overall has been outstanding and a pleasant surprise thus far. We all thought the D would be solid but with the question marks regarding BU coming into the the season, there was good reason to be worried. Despite #54 clearly not playing anywhere near last year's level yet, the DL and secondary in particular have stepped up big time. 14 sacks, 7 takeaways, and only 3 offensive TDs allowed in 3 games tells me the D is playing at a pretty high level. Add in that Urlacher is gradually "playing himself back in shape" (and he's definitely getting more active, involved, and rangy with each game so far), and it looks like we are good shape there barring further major injuries. The depth is way, way better than it was a season ago too.

I'm not quite as forgiving toward the O as you are though. I'm trying to be patient but substantial improvement at multiple positions (coaching included) over the last 2 performances can't be delayed too much longer. We aren't likely to beat teams like Dallas and Detroit scoring only 13 points or so on O.