Will I Name my Child Brian or Brianna?

Recently, ESPN.com has been running a series on the "Best of" NFL players and teams. Best QB, first player chosen to build a franchise, most valuable running back have been some of the topics. Four "experts" make the choices. When it came down to most valuable defensive player, Brian Urlacher received two of the four votes. Champ Bailey, Bronco cornerback, got the other two. Urlacher deserves the accolade. In my opinion, he is and will remain the greatest middle linebacker to ever play in the Cover-2 defense.

In the past, the Cover-2 showcased the weak outside linebacker or "Will" backer. Our local, successful example is the dead Lance Briggs. Cover-2 is a two-deep, zone pass defense. Think of two safeties splitting up the deep halves of the field. It is not a blitzing D; you rely on your front four down lineman to get pressure and disrupt the run game. They should be fast and physical. The linebackers are responsible to make the tackles. They also have pass responsibilities and have to be very skilled. The scheme was set up for an athletic and speedy Will to run free, make a bushel full of tackles and make big plays.

The greatest Will backer in Cover-2 history is Tampa Bay's Derrick Brooks. Canton is waiting for this guy. Tons of tackles and, listen up Briggsy, tons of interceptions. The middle linebacker position in a Cover-2 scheme was never acknowledged. Not until Urlacher came along. He can do it all. No player gets to the ball faster than him. He covers sideline to sideline. When he gets there, he is a violent tackler and is an expert at creating a turnover. I hear people say "Urlacher cannot stuff the run" or "he can't get off a blocker." These are misguided criticisms. First of all, the days of the "run-stuffing LB" are over. Those guys would have to come off the field on 3rd down and were a liability in pass coverage. Secondly, name me one linebacker that can get off a 325 pound lineman. This is not 1979. The idea is to keep the O-line off the linebackers. I hate people who don't understand the modern game. Get over it.

The real "freak" quality of Urlacher is his pass defense. He drops so deep in the secondary because of his speed, he can eliminate a threat in the middle of the field. He can neutralize a fast and skilled tight end. He can also shut down a slot receiver. That enables the two safeties a cushion to cover less area. When he blitzes, which is not often, he will get sacks. Name me another MLB who can do all of that. Ever. Don't say Butkus. The Bears sucked when he played. I love that rationalization, "you beat the Bears, but they punished you." Big fuckin' deal. How about winning a game on defense? How many of those have we seen since 54 got here.

If anyone had doubts about the greatness of Urlacher as a MLB, last year's Arizona Cardinal, Monday night football game should have dispelled them. If it did not, well then, you should not be allowed to watch the NFL. Down by three touchdowns, Urlacher single-handedly took that game away from Arizona. He made all the tackles. All of them. Arizona refused to throw so Urlacher said "I'll clean up." Rex gave the ball away; Urlacher took it back. He pulled it out of their arms. So, not only did he stop them, he started us. He skilled and willed the Bears to an unbelievable victory.

That is what is great about Urlacher and great football players. Denny Green was right; the Bears "are what we thought they were." He had game-planned perfectly, knew the Bears weaknesses and exploited the matchups. But you can't beat a great player on paper. You have to do it in the game. The Cardinals knew what Urlacher could do, but they couldn't stop him. It was a virtuoso performance. Skill and desire, an unbeatable combination.

So, stop with the critiques. This season, everyone sit back and watch a one-of-a-kind football player. You won't be dissappointed. Sometimes, Urlacher does not have gaudy stats. But if the Bears are dominating on defense, it is DIRECTLY because of what he is doing. If we are getting schooled, they have an answer for him in that game. He ain't gonna be around forever, enjoy it.

I have never owned a Bears jersey, never wore one. If I thought about it, I would only wear a Payton 34. This off-season, a friend gave me an Urlacher 54. I think I may wear it to a game. He is the best defensive player in the league. Despite this post, I do not have a man-crush on Urlacher. Not that I am above such feelings, but he is not my type. Too many babies-mamas, bad decisions in clubs or Trader Joe's or wherever this dumb ass meets chicks. And he is dumb, as a post. But give me 11 solos, 6 assists, 1 interception, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble on a Sunday, and, hell, I'll cook you dinner.