Usually, this is where I would be writing my Behind Enemy Lines weekly piece on what the Chicago Bears’ opponent’s websites and local media are saying about the match up. However, I’ve decided to forgo this week’s behind enemy lines post because I think we all know what the opponent’s think of our football team in Chicago: they think the Bears are a joke. Instead, I want to share some positive moments in a season full of negativity and acknowledge the final weekend in Chicago of a great career for #55 Lance Briggs.
Even though this season has been a forgettable one for Lance, let us all not forget that this is the greatest outside linebacker that has put on a Chicago Bear jersey. Over the last 11 years Briggs leads the NFL in tackles for a loss (81), is a 7-time pro bowler and is 3rd all time among NFL linebackers with 5 interceptions returned for a touchdown. To honor #55, I wanted to share my personal top 5 most memorable moments of Lance Briggs:
#5 – Strip and Recovery in Season Opener (2010 vs. Lions)
With the Bears trailing by 1 early in the 4th quarter of the 2010 season opener, #55 made a play when it was needed. Pinned deep in his own territory, Lions quarterback Shaun Hill dropped back to hand off the ball when Briggs darted through the middle breaking up the hand off, forcing a fumble and recovering the fumble all in a matter of 2 seconds. It was an unbelievable play at a crucial moment of a divisional game. The game would be known as the Calvin Johnson Rule game after an apparent catch was ruled incomplete late in the 4th, overshadowing an outstanding game from Briggs. He finished with 10 tackles, a forced fumble and a recovery. Lance made a play when the Bears needed it – something Bear fans became used to throughout his career. Don’t tell me how much a player does, tell me when he does it.
#4 – Megatron and Lions Get Blown Up (2011 vs. Lions)
In a game where tempers flared and the Detroit Lions pulled their oh so familiar annual acts of dirtiness, Lance Briggs delivered a message to their star receiver. It was not with his mouth or a cheap shot, it was with a brutal hit. Even though the hit was flagged as a personal foul, it was a clean shoulder-led hit that was erroneously flagged, in my opinion. Nevertheless, I remember jumping out of my chair in excitement, pumping my chest ready for battle even though I was in my parent’s living room. My mom thought I was nuts, but that play kept me pumped up all day as it capped off a complete domination of the Lions at Soldier Field in a huge divisional game. Linebackers are taught to make players think twice before coming over the middle of the field and Lance did just that…..
#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!