Urlacher and McManis Earn NFC Player of the Week Honors
Nov 4, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) is congratulated by teammates Chris Conte (47) and Thaddeus Gibson (93) after intercepting a pass by Tennessee Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (not pictured) and returning it for a touchdown during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-US PRESSWIRE
The trophy case in Halas Hall is getting awfully crowded this season as a couple more Bears earned some hardware after the Bears’ 51-20 victory against the Titans last week. Brian Urlacher and Sherrick McManis were named NFC Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week, the first teammates to win player of the week awards since Buccaneers Derrick Brooks and Matt Bryant accomplished the feat in 2008.
Brian Urlacher was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week after a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception return for a touchdown. It’s the sixth time #54 has won player of the week honors and the first time since Week 1 in 2011 when the Bears beat the Falcons thanks in part to his 10 tackles and an interception.
Nov 4, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Chicago Bears corner back Sherrick McManis (27) blocks the punt by Tennessee Titans punter Brett Kern (6) during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-US Presswire
Teammate Sherrick McManis was named Special Teams Player of the Week after his blocked punt which Corey Wooton returned for a touchdown set the tone for the big Bears win.
It’s interesting McManis wins the award this week, just before the Bears play his former team, the Houston Texans. The Bears traded journeyman fullback Tyler Clutts to the Texans during the preseason for some special teams insurance in McManis. He’s paid off as a solid special teamer as the player of the week award shows.
Congrats to both Player of the Week winners. Keep ’em coming!