"I guess I was just an old guy on my last leg". the words of Lance Briggs when asked about this aged defense leading the league in take-aways and finding a way to improve each week. Age continues to be just a number- as Brian Urlacher said- if you look at us on tape, you wouldn't notice how old we are- hopefully you'll think we're younger.
They look it. The Bears defense has led the way through 4 weeks. They are 3rd in sacks (15), 3rd in rush defense, and 11 Interceptions is an NFL best- led by Tim Jennings (4) who today was named NFC defensive player of the month- to the surprise of no one in his locker room. He deserves the praise. Can't ignore the high level of his play right now.
Lovie has said Jennings was one of those guys who took what they told him after last season- and found a way to get better. That says a lot about him and his competitiveness...doing what he has to do get better.
He says he's always known he's a good player- he's now just making the plays.
He's not alone. The NFC could have picked 3 or four Bears for the honor- Henry Melton, Julius Peppers, Peanut Tillman, Lance Briggs. This "vintage" defense continues to get better every week- because they want to. They all push each other. With age comes familiarity and a comfort level that allows them to play fast, disciplined and do what they are good at. And stopping the run has been the key- which allows them to play more cover 2- not a favorite for Urlacher because "i'm not involved." He basically has to run all over the middle and hope the opponent tries to do something there. He did say he's great at congratulating when someone makes a play on cover 2. "I'm the number one high fiver when someone makes a play." Ha! He's fine with that so long as they continue to get better. Right now they are.
On to Jacksonville: Maurice Jones Drew is the biggest offensive weapon the Jaguars have- so stopping him is key to stopping the run on Sunday.
Rod Marinelli said he's just a load- and we have to gang tackle him to take him down. Stop him and make the Jaguars one dimensional the Bears should be in business. (Jags are 32nd in the league in total offense...dead last)
Injury Front: Urlacher had a rest day ( it's Thursday so no surprise there). Julius Peppers was held out one more day with his ankle, Evan Rodriguez is improving but was out. Earl Bennett still limited with his
wrist- so big question mark there for Sunday. While Matt Forte was listed as limited but told us he is pain free getting ready for week 5.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:13 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:13:21 GMT
A car crashed into a building on 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village on Wednesday morning. At least eight people were injured, three in serious condition, according to FDNY officials.
A car jumped the curb on 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village on Wednesday morning injuring eight people. Witnesses say the Nissan was traveling at a high speed before it took out the store front, trees, bicycles, a light post and a fire hydrant.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:30 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:30:41 GMT
Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling all Innova, California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Mother Nature and Karma branded dry pet food and biscuit, bar, and treat products with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014, because of a positive Salmonella test.
Natura Pet Products is voluntarily recalling all Innova, California Natural, EVO, Healthwise, Mother Nature and Karma branded dry pet food and biscuit, bar, and treat products with expiration dates prior to June 10, 2014, because of a positive Salmonella test.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:07:13 GMT
Photo courtesy of @N42_21_W71_04)
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush.
Riders should anticipate some changes but "near normal" service on the Long Island Rail Road for the morning rush. Crews have been working to repair tracks and switches after Monday's derailment.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:12 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:12:52 GMT
A senior administration official says Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have struck a deal to authorize four upstate casinos and to allow votes on 10 separate women's rights bills including an abortion...
A senior administration official says Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have struck a deal to authorize four upstate casinos and to allow votes on 10 separate women's rights bills including an abortion proposal...
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:07:22 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:50 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:50:52 GMT
FDNY photo via Twitter
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
Emergency responders rescued a worker who was trapped when a trench collapsed Tuesday evening at a Queens construction site that was supposed to be closed.
