Brian Urlacher Awarded NFC Defensive Player of the Week; Back with Team
By Deez
Despite the tragedy that Brian Urlacher is dealing with off-the-field this week, the NFL rewarded him for his on-the-field play in Week 1. On Wednesday, Urlacher was named the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Week with 10 tackles, one interception, one pass deflection, one fumble recovery and one touchdown last Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.
The interception was the 19th of his career. The 12-yard fumble return for a touchdown was Urlacher’s third career defensive touchdown and first since 2007. Sunday was also the first game, since December 17th, 2007 against the Minnesota Vikings, where Urlacher recorded both an interception and fumble recovery.
This is the sixth time Urlacher has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Week to go along with his NFL AP Defensive Player of the Year award in 2005. While we are only one week into the season, Urlacher looks ready to have another Pro Bowl-caliber season.
The heart and soul of the Bears defense is going to have an emotional year after the unexpected passing of his mother, but his love of the game should help him get through this.
This morning, ESPN’s Jeff Dickerson reported that Urlacher is already back practicing with the team, gearing up for this weekend’s game against the New Orleans Saints. All signs point to him playing.