| The Monsters of the Midway have returned to the Windy City
in 2001 and have served notice to the rest of the league by building a surprising 9-2
record. Without a doubt, the shining star in this production of the Chicago Bears’
defense is MLB Brian Urlacher. However, his partners in the second line of defense do not
just play supporting roles. OLBs Rosevelt Colvin and Warrick Holdman were both drafted
in the fourth round of the 1999 draft and are showing what the Bears thought they could do
when they drafted them.
Colvin was drafted as a defensive end out of Purdue and has found his groove as a
professional at the linebacker position. He has a knack for making the big play, as he
leads the team with 6.5 sacks.
"Rosey is very smart, he has an uncanny knowledge of the game," CB R.W.
McQuarters said. "He has done a lot of good things. I think he kind of still wants to
be a rush end like in college even though he’s not allowed to do that here. Rosey is
very heads-up on the field, always making sure everyone is in the right spot."
Meanwhile, Holdman, a Texas A&M grad, spent much of the time in his first two
seasons on the injured list. He’s managed to avoid the injury bug this season and is
second on the team in tackles with 75 (68 solo).
"Warrick is a very quiet guy who lets his play speak for itself," DT Keith
Traylor said. "He goes out there every week and plays hard. He is great at making the
play and tracking people down with his terrific speed."
Combined, the Bears three starting linebackers have had a hand in 203 of the
team’s 592 total tackles and have made 11 of the team’s 29 sacks.
"I just try to go out there and give 110 percent every play," Holdman said.
"I think I can do a bit of everything out there. If they want me to blitz, I can
blitz. If they want me to cover a man one-on-one or spy on the quarterback, whatever it
is, I can do it. I think that’s the biggest thing — I’m diverse."
Colvin said, "I play the run pretty well, and the big thing for me is rushing the
passer. I give (defensive coordinator) Greg (Blache) some flexibility when we are in a
pass defense. I just try to do my job all the time and make as many plays as
possible."
Both agree that the additions of DTs Traylor and Ted Washington and the big-play
capability of the secondary have had a huge impact on the quality of play by the
linebackers.
"They have contributed a lot to our success this season because they are all
playing well," Holdman said. "We have 11 guys on the field who are playmakers,
so if they are doing their job and playing well, it allows us to do our job and play
well."
Despite the terrific seasons that Colvin and Holdman are having thus far, Their
partner, who lines up between them, gets much of the publicity. Both agree Urlacher is
well deserving of the high praise, as he leads the team with 79 total tackles. He also has
five passes defensed, four sacks, two interceptions, a fumble recovery and a touchdown.
"It’s like when I was back at Purdue and Drew (Brees) was getting all the
media attention," Colvin said. "He (Urlacher) just brings people to the team and
to the stadium. Then when we play well and people are watching Brian right next to us,
then everyone else sees us. We just try to go out every week and get better so we can earn
and achieve the status that Brian’s at right now."
Individually, Urlacher already was in the national spotlight heading into this season.
What is developing is the fact that cumulatively the Bears starting LB corps is climbing
to elite heights.
"I’ve had to run the ball against some of the top defenses in the league this
year in the Ravens and Buccaneers," Bears RB James Allen said. "I watch our
linebackers closely during the game and in practice, and I’d have to rate them at the
top of the league. They are young, premier, tough, physical and have all the talent in the
world. Now because we are winning, people get to see that, and I think they are right up
there. Whoever the best is, that is where I put my guys." |
