The End of An Era: Top 5 Lance Briggs Moments
#3 – The Comeback in the Desert (2006 vs. Cardinals)
When most people think of this game they think of the Devin Hester punt return to give the Bears the lead, the Dennis Green meltdown or even the turnovers by Rex Grossman. However, when I think of this game, I think of the complete dominance of Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher. Briggs may not have had the sexy touchdown or the one huge play, but it was him and Urlacher that made this historic comeback even close to
Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Lance Briggs (55) reacts after a play against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
possible. The Bear offense was pathetic and they were down by 20 at halftime. After almost every single Cardinal offensive play, I remember hearing the names of Briggs or Urlacher making the tackle. Between the two of them, they had 34 tackles for the game. To this day, I have never seen linebackers take over a game like Urlacher and Briggs did and it was clear that they did not really care what the score was, they were both determined to win.
Without the play of #55 in this game, the Bears would have lost and one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history does not exist…..
#2 – Briggs and Co. Embarrass Romo (2012 vs. Cowboys)
This is a game that Tony Romo would like to forget as the Bear defense picked him off 5 times, including Briggs’ 74-yard return for a touchdown. Not only did Lance make a good play on the ball, but he made some nice moves while taking the ball to the house. The “old man” Briggs didn’t look so old on this return, outrunning the Cowboy offense including DeMarco Murray in route to the score. The Bears routed Dallas 34-18 in one of Romo’s worst career games. (Video link below)
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap2000000068178/Briggs-pick-six-off-Romo
#1 – Lance Stuffs Shaun Alexander on 4th and 1 (2007 vs. Seahawks)
Ok, this may have not been many people’s #1, but it was mine. I don’t think that many fans understand the importance of this play and there is a very strong possibility that the Bears do not go to the Superbowl in 2007 without it.
In the divisional playoff against Seattle, the Bears and Seahawks found themselves tied at 24 with under 2 minutes remaining. Seattle had the ball at the Bear 44 yard line deciding to go for it on 4th and 1. #55 was there to make a huge stop, preserving the tie and pushing the game into OT. The Bears won on a Robbie Gould field goal and 3 weeks later….they were in the Super Bowl.
(Fast Forward to 2:25 in the video below)
It has been a pleasure to witness #55’s career and it was a privilege to be able to watch him make him so many great plays at key moments. Many will say that Urlacher made him better than he was. In my opinion, they made each other better. Thanks for the memories, Lance. I said it before and I’ll say it again, “Don’t tell me how much a player does, tell me WHEN he does it.”
Bear Down!