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To: Sully- who wrote (46337)	1/14/2002 2:45:57 PM
From: stockman_scott	Respond to of 65232

Linebackers will be key to containing McNabb By John Mullin Chicago Tribune Jan. 13, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------- Bears outside linebackers Warrick Holdman and Rosevelt Colvin and middle linebacker Brian Urlacher are the detonator switch of a dominating defense, each with a specialty and all with speed to be at the ball every play. Urlacher and Holdman are 1-2 on the team in tackles and Colvin is No. 1 in sacks (10.5). They are the key to dealing with Donovan McNabb. Colvin needs to pressure the Philadelphia quarterback, and Holdman and Urlacher need to contain him, possibly with a "spy" system — primarily Urlacher having McNabb as his target from the moment the Eagles break the huddle. The interior defensive line (Keith Traylor, Ted Washington, Alfonso Boone) is peerless at keeping guards and centers off the linebackers, Urlacher in particular, and letting them run to the ball. That's part of the reason the run defense is so dominant. Holdman and Urlacher are quick decision-makers, which puts them in motion and into gaps fast and allows them to deliver blows to backs who are still gaining speed. If the defensive line keeps the Eagles blockers off these three, the Eagles will be forced to go too much to McNabb. POSITIONAL ANALYSIS Quarterback: Jim Miller is the lowest-rated quarterback coming into the playoffs this year, and he reacts to that kind of situation with a motive: to disprove doubters. He leads this team with his attitude and has been the key to igniting the Bears each of the last three years, the difference being that this year he's been able to stay on the field. Running Backs: Rookie Anthony Thomas gave the offense a running game to fear when he took over for James Allen, establishing a smash-mouth persona. He is a north-south runner who squares his shoulders and relies on one cut rather than dancing around. Allen gives the Bears an 1,100-yard back to come off the bench. Receivers: Bears wideouts have dealt with injuries and change all season, from the release of Bobby Engram before the year to the loss of Marcus Robinson to injured reserve with a torn ACL to Dez White being idled with a hamstring strain. They have matured and gotten steadily better, and their blocking is a key to the running game. Tight end Fred Baxter is a seasoned veteran who gets better in big games. Offensive Line: The Bears have had the same starting five all season and are the NFL's best at protecting their quarterback. They have three Pro Bowlers: Center Olin Kreutz and right tackle James Williams were voted in and guard Rex Tucker is an alternate in his first year as a starter. They like to hit teams early and often and know they can wear defenses down late. Defensive Line: The Bears have the bodies for a designer 3-4 scheme with 290-pound ends Phillip Daniels and Bryan Robinson and huge inside guys in Traylor and Washington. But they like the base 4-3 for what it gives against the run, and the Eagles will have difficulty moving and running on this group. Linebackers: The combined speed of Urlacher with the edge play of Holdman and Colvin is a difficult matchup, and all three are playing at their collective best at this point of the season. Defensive Backs: Free safety Mike Brown is going to the Pro Bowl because of his playmaking impact, and he leads the Bears with five interceptions. Cornerback R.W. McQuarters was signed to a five-year extension that makes a statement of how the Bears regard him in the overall defense. Special Teams: Paul Edinger shook off a training camp challenge from GM Jerry Angelo to have an even better second season than he did as a rookie. Edinger is icewater under pressure and gives the Bears an edge in the Soldier Field weather conditions. Coaching: The Bears have been well-prepared all season, from weekly game plans to overall mind-set. The pacing of the bye week allowed injuries to heal, and the offense, defense and special teams were able to focus on execution of what has made them successful. INJURY ANALYSIS CB Walt Harris: Ankle (12/30). Analysis: Harris was inactive against Jacksonville with the ankle sprain. Jerry Azumah started and played creditably, although Azumah is still not at Harris' level in pure coverage. S Larry Whigham: Hamstring (12/16). Analysis: The leader of special teams was inactive for Jacksonville. He'll likely be back after the bye week. Todd McMillon has stepped up with outstanding coverage plays but isn't as all-around physical as Whigham and lacks his veteran presence and savvy, a huge asset in the playoffs. WR Dez White: Hamstring (12/28). Analysis: White was inactive for Detroit and Jacksonville and that gave D'Wayne Bates a chance to catch his four passes in each game, breaking through to show what he can do as the No. 3 wideout. Bates is more physical than White and has better hands and instincts for playmaking, although he doesn't have White's pure deep speed. KEYS TO VICTORY The Eagles have given the Bears problems in 1999 and 2000 games with their defense, which has been too strong up front for the Bears. But the Bears have started the same five offensive linemen all season and are the best in the NFL at pass protection. If they can give Miller time against this pass rush, the Bears have the potential to strike deep and challenge Philly's excellent secondary and in the process prevent the Eagles from cheating up with safety help against the run. . . . Punting by Brad Maynard has set the defense up with field position all season, forcing opponents to start from 80 or more yards away from the Bears' end zone on 44 of his 87 punts. . . . The Philadelphia offense is heavily reliant on McNabb, who devastated Tampa Bay with big runs early. The Bears have tailored their pass rush well against mobile quarterbacks this season, giving up sack totals for containment. The defense has been able to dominate against the run, preventing teams from establishing a consistent ground game. ______________________________ For more news on the Bears, visit the Tribune's website at www.chicagotribune.com.