Lions coach: (Urlacher has) got a time machine somewhere
Brian Urlacher isn't a big fan of talking about himself, but the way he's played this year has a lot of others talking him up.
“He's got a time machine somewhere, because he dialed it back about three or four years, and he's playing at a really high level,” Lions coach Jim Schwarz said. “I don't know if there's a middle linebacker playing at a higher level in the NFL. He's been outstanding. Obviously, missing all of last season was a big setback, not only for him, but for the Bears and their defense.”
The season-ending dislocated wrist that Urlacher suffered in the '09 season opener hasn't been a factor this year. According to Bears statistics, Urlacher has at least 10 tackles in three of the last four games and leads the team with 89 tackles, 9 tackles for loss and 3 fumble recoveries. He's second with 7 pass breakups and third with 2½ sacks.
“He's played great ball throughout,” Bears coach Lovie Smith said. “When you're Brian Urlacher, No. 1, and you're healthy, you've got a good chance of good things happening for you. He's played like that from the start of the season. We need those guys (like him) for this push. He's capable of taking a game over. It's just a matter of time before that happens, too.”
More with less: Although the offense hasn't called for quarterback Jay Cutler to launch many long-range missiles 50 or 60 yards downfield, the Bears still have 15 pass plays of 30 yards or longer. Their opponents have just 4.
Wide receivers Johnny Knox, Devin Hester and Earl Bennett have done an excellent job of getting yards after the catch on shorter throws. But Cutler says more longdistance completions could be coming.
“We've gotten some explosive plays,” Cutler said. “But as far as pushing the ball 40, 50 yards in the air, I don't think we've touched on what we're capable of doing there yet. If it happens this week, it happens. Those are things you just can't force. (Offensive coordinator Mike Martz) is going to dial some up in the game. If they're there, they're there. We just haven't had an opportunity to hit them yet.”
Picture of health: Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee), the only player listed on the injury report, was limited Thursday after sitting out Wednesday.
For the Lions, starting offensive tackle Gosder Cherilus (knee) and defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch (neck) did not practice, along with quarterbacks Matthew Stafford (shoulder) and Shaun Hill (finger). Four other starters, running back Jahvid Best (toe), wide receiver Nate Burleson (hamstring), linebacker DeAndre Levy (groin) and tight end Tony Scheffler (rib), were limited.