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USA Today
18 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Bears All-Quarter Century Team: Linebackers
Twenty-five years of Chicago Bears football are in the books since the turn of the century. Since the calendar turned over to 2000, the Bears have seen some success, but also plenty of woeful stretches. Early on, Chicago became a defensive force, claiming four division titles and reaching only their second Super Bowl in franchise history from 2000 to 2010. Since then, however, a 14-year playoff victory drought that is still ongoing and a one-sided fight with their rival Green Bay Packers have taken the spotlight. For all the ups and downs the Bears have seen, however, they had plenty of talent over the years across offense and defense. Multiple former Bears players are already in the Hall of Fame, while many more provided years of incredible play in the navy and orange. Here at Bears Wire, we're celebrating the best Bears players at each position over the last 25 years. Up next is linebacker, a position that has historically been among the franchise's best -- which has proven true through this first quarter century. Brian Urlacher The Bears have had some of the best linebackers in the history of the NFL, and that trend continued into this century with Brian Urlacher, who's not only the Chicago's best linebacker this century but one of their greatest of all-time. Urlacher, a former college safety, established himself as the latest in a long line of Hall of Fame linebackers as an incredibly athletic and gifted player. He played all 13 NFL seasons, all with Chicago. Urlacher is the franchise's all-time leader in solo tackles (1,040) and his 41.5 career sacks is the most by a linebacker in franchise history. Urlacher was the face of one of the league's most dominant defenses in the 2000s, where he made life difficult on opposing quarterbacks. He was an integral part of two defenses that led the league in defensive scoring in 2001 and 2005, as well as the 2006 defense that was the catalyst in the team's Super Bowl run. In 13 seasons, Urlacher totaled 1,361 tackles, 41.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles and 22 interceptions en route to First-Team All-Pro honors (four times), eight Pro Bowl nods, Defensive Rookie of the Year (2000), Defensive Player of the Year (2005) and he was a first-ballot inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018. Lance Briggs If not for the Hall of Famer he played alongside for many years, Lance Briggs might be in consideration for the Bears' best linebacker this century (so far). Briggs was a mainstay of Chicago's defenses in the 2000s, playing all 12 NFL seasons with the Bears. In that span, Briggs totaled 1,566 tackles, 15 sacks, 16 interceptions and 18 forced fumbles. While Briggs did play most of his 12-year career alongside Urlacher, Briggs was nothing to scoff at. He was dominant in his own right, especially when it came to taking the ball away. Briggs had six defensive touchdowns (five interceptions, one fumble recovery) which is the third most in franchise history. He was also the first linebacker in NFL history to return an interception for a touchdown in each of his first three seasons. Briggs had an impressive resume that includes two First-Team All-Pro nods (2005, 2006), one Second-Team All-Pro nod (2009), seven Pro Bowl appearances (2005-11) and he was named to the 100 greatest Bears of All-Time (28th). The biggest question is why hasn't Briggs been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame yet? It's most likely due to the fact that he played most of his 12-year career alongside a Hall of Famer in Urlacher. Briggs has made the initial list for the Hall of Fame several times now, but he's yet to get to the semi-finalist round. Given Briggs was a defensive cornerstone on some of Chicago's best defenses in the 2000s, the hope is he eventually gets the recognition he deserves. Roquan Smith The Bears' linebacker position has been defined by Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs this century, and Chicago found another stud in Roquan Smith with the eighth pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Things didn't get off to a good start after a holdout his rookie season, but he quickly found his stride and established himself as an integral part of the Bears' defense. In four and a half seasons with Chicago, Smith totaled 607 tackles, including 47 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, 20 QB hits, seven interceptions (including one for a touchdown) and 20 pass breakups. He also totaled at least 100 tackles in each of his four seasons, becoming the first Bears player to achieve that feat since Lance Briggs did in six consecutive seasons (2004-09) Smith earned Second-Team All-Pro nods in 2020 and 2021. Although, there was an argument to be made for him to make the Pro Bowl or even First-Team All-Pro. Unfortunately, a contract dispute proved to end Smith's time in Chicago as he was traded to the Baltimore Ravens in Nov. 2022. Since joining Baltimore, Smith has been named a First-Team All-Pro three times (2022-24), earned three Pro Bowl nods (2022-24) and earned the pro Butkus Award (2022, 2023). Smith never got the recognition he deserved while playing in Chicago, which is probably due to the team's struggles amid a coaching carousel. But once he was traded to the Ravens, people started finally paying attention to Smith, whose play didn't necessarily improve but was better highlighted on a better team. Rosevelt Colvin An underrated linebacker for the Bears this century is Rosevelt Colvin, who was selected in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL draft. Selected by the Bears in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft, Colvin emerged as a talented pass rusher. Playing outside linebacker on run downs and defensive end in passing situations, he recorded a career high 10.5 sacks in 2001 and again in 2002. In the process, he became the first Bears player with double digit sacks in back-to-back seasons since Hall of Famer Richard Dent in 1990-91. Colvin spent just four seasons with the Bears, totaling 185 tackles, including 31 tackles for loss, 26 sacks, two interceptions, 20 pass breakups, 10 forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. After his best season in 2002, he was signed by the New England Patriots in 2003, where he spent his final six NFL seasons and won two Super Bowls before retiring following the 2008 season. Colvin grew up watching the Bears and, even 20-plus years removed since playing for Chicago, he's still rooting for the Bears. Honorable mention: Hunter Hillenmeyer Bears All-Quarter Century Team Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
USA Today
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
An Eagles adversary walks back his harsh take on the Philadelphia faithful
You aren't going to believe this Jared Verse turns 25 years old in November but has already lived a life that would inspire envy among men ten years his senior. His NFL resume already consists of a Defensive Rookie of the Year nod and a spot on the 2024 Pro Bowl roster. He was named to the Pro Football Writers of America's All-Rookie Team, but as famous as he is everywhere else, he is infamous in the City of Brotherly Love. If Verse looks familiar to you, it's because he should. A little over five months ago, he shared some disparaging remarks about the Philadelphia Eagles fan base. 'I hate Eagles fans. They're so annoying." Those were the then-rookie's words when speaking during an interview with the Los Angeles Times. That caught the NFL's most loyal fan base off guard. Sure, they've heard those types of comments before, but this time, the verbal assault felt unwarranted and a little more personal. Maybe that's true because they came ahead of a Divisional Round clash during the postseason. Perhaps everyone was thrown off because Verse grew up in Berwick, Pennsylvania, approximately 2.5 hours away from Philadelphia. Whatever the case, cooler heads prevailed, and a football game, as expected, went on as planned. Verse backed up his talk by playing one heck of a game. The Birds beat L.A. for the second time last season. Respect was earned on both sides, and recently, one of the NFL's young stars walked back his comments about those passionate fans in green who show up season after season to root for Philadelphia to victory. Jared Verse compliments Philadelphia fans (And he does so more than once). Only Whistle can invite an NFL star to a spa and make engaging content. That's a compliment, by the way. Recently, Casey Rieger hung out with Jared Verse, and the now-second-year sensation discussed everything from receiving a call on draft day to, you guessed it, his opinion on Eagles fans. The discussion about that latter topic might surprise you. Which opposing team did Verse say had the best fans? Trust us. You aren't going to believe this: 'Probably the Eagles. I've got to give them that. It's just because I like when you kind of get into it. You're aggressive. You're loud. And they stand by that with no doubt.' Which fan base did Verse say is the toughest to play in front of? Again, he named those 'annoying' fans in Philly. 'Playing the Eagles is like playing your rival in college because you never know what they're going to say. And they're going to try to say disrespectful stuff. Don't get me wrong, they're not going to say anything where it's like, 'Bro, you crossed the line.' But they're going to say something where you're like, 'Hey, who you talking to?'' It's always cool when animosity ends peacefully, when cooler heads prevail. Ultimately, some trash talk between a player and a city led to emotionally charged football and mutual shows of respect. Most importantly, it led to an Eagles win. Who are we to complain? Verse is from PA. He knows the vibes, and guess what? Philadelphia and Los Angeles renew acquaintances in Week 3 of the regular season. A budding rivalry will be reignited. Let's see if Nick Sirianni can hang another loss on Sean McVay.
USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Would Jared Verse rather win 1 Super Bowl or 4 Defensive Player of the Year awards?
Verse: 'Let the team see this. I'll play it in the team meeting.' Jared Verse has only been in the NFL for one season but he's already started a trophy collection. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024, quickly solidifying himself as one of the best overall defenders in the league – regardless of age or experience. Heading into his second season, Verse is a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate. The Los Angeles Rams are also serious Super Bowl contenders. With his talent and the Rams' status as perennial contenders, Verse seems destined to win at least one Defensive Player of the Year award and potentially one Super Bowl, too. But what would he rather have? Four Defensive Player of the Year trophies or one Lombardi? He made that decision during an episode of 'Spa Day' from Whistle. 'We don't even got to talk about it. Super Bowl all the way,' he said with conviction. But then he started to think about it. And his mind changed. 'Hell no, I ain't even going to lie to you. Four? Four?! Get that out of here, I'm going with that,' he said. 'Two or three, I would've been like, 'Oh yeah, championship all day.'' Verse isn't even afraid to let his teammates and coaches know he'd rather have four Defensive Player of the Year awards over one Super Bowl. He'll tell them himself. 'Let the team see this. I'll play it in the team meeting,' he joked. On first thought, it's easy to pick the Super Bowl like Verse did. That's what every player dreams of winning, from the time they're playing youth football to getting drafted into the NFL. But when you really think about it, four Defensive Player of the Year awards would all but ensure Hall of Fame status. No player has ever won it more than three times, with Lawrence Taylor and Aaron Donald tied for the all-time record. If Verse were to win the award four times, he'd be a first-ballot Hall of Famer just like Taylor was and Donald will be. One Super Bowl has never guaranteed a player first-ballot Hall of Fame status. It might not be the popular pick, but it's hard to blame Verse for taking the personal accolades and an inevitable gold jacket over one ring.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
How much does Aaron Donald remember about his 2nd career game? Just about everything
Donald could even name the Rams' entire starting defense in that game When it comes to football, Sean McVay has the memory of an elephant. Aaron Donald might not be far behind his former head coach, though. At his football camp recently, Donald was put to the test with trivia questions about the Rams' win over the Buccaneers…in Week 2 of the 2014 season, Donald's rookie year. That was nearly 11 years ago, but Donald remembers just about everything from that game. Granted, it was a meaningful one for the future Hall of Famer because it was not only his first win in the NFL, but he also recorded his first of 111 career sacks. Donald finished with a perfect score in this trivia exercise, naming everything from the starting quarterbacks in that game to the final score – and, most impressively, the entire starting defense for St. Louis. That was a forgettable season for the Rams, who went 6-10 and had "a million different quarterbacks that year," as Donald aptly put it. It was memorable for Donald, however, considering he won Defensive Rookie of the Year and began his rapid ascent to becoming the best defensive tackle of his era. He's a football junkie like McVay so it's hardly surprising he remembers the first quarterback he ever sacked, but to recall the entire starting defense and final score is quite impressive.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Two young Eagles earn the spotlight (but a snub steals the story)
Two young Eagles shine on an elite list but one obvious omission certainly stings. Though football is a team game, it's also one fueled by individual accomplishments. When that contract reaches its final season, discussions begin about a Philadelphia Eagles star's extension. Agents mention the number of postseason accolades that are on the resume. Stats are discussed. That's typically what Howie Roseman is dealing with. Can you imagine what type of coin he'll be discussing when Jalen Carter and Quinyon Mitchell's numbers come up? Have you seen the direction in which the salary cap is trending? We have some time before we have to discuss their looming massive paydays. Both are first-round draft choices with fifth-year options baked into their extensions. That means, for now, we can spend more time celebrating them for their on-field brilliance. Quinyon Mitchell and Jalen Carter land on an elite list, but Cooper DeJean is an obvious snub. Looking for something to keep you busy? Here's a recommendation. CBS Sports released a top 25 list for players 25 and younger. Jalen Carter and Quinyon Mitchell earned well-deserved mentions at 12 and 23, respectively. Here's what Cody Benjamin, the writer of this one, said about these young cornerstones in Vic Fangio's defense. About Quinyon Mitchell: "It's notoriously difficult for cornerbacks to become Day 1 stars in the NFL, but Mitchell never batted an eye as a perimeter starter for the Eagles. He didn't light up the turnover sheet, but he saved his best work for the brightest lights, logging two picks and four pass breakups during a playoff run all the way to Super Bowl glory." About Jalen Carter: "He's coming off just his first year as a full-timer, but there might not be a more tenacious interior force this side of Aaron Donald's retirement. Carter's pocket-breaking violence was huge for the Eagles' title run; he totaled 23 quarterback hits in 2024, including playoffs. And most would agree he's not even close to hitting his prime." Benjamin hits the bullseye with both mentions. There's only one issue. Perhaps you noticed. Where on Planet Earth is Cooper DeJean? Overlooked? Snubbed? A little of both? Let's review the film. Injury forced DeJean to miss the entire Eagles' preseason. He was active for game one of the regular season, but the decision was made to bring him along slowly, with the focus being on working with the special teams unit. After the bye week, DeJean was inserted into the starting lineup. The eight defensive snaps he saw from Week 1 to 4 were eclipsed by a 52-snap showing in Week 6. DeJean never looked back. He was a finalist, along with Mitchell, for the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year trophy. He buried Derrick Henry. He hauled in an interception off Patrick Mahomes' arm in Super Bowl 59. Coop's pick-six doubles as the Eagles' first interception during a Super Bowl in franchise history. Cody Benjamin's work can be trusted. He's one of the best in the business, but respectfully, we have to throw the challenge flag on Cooper DeJean's omission.
