Urlacher Retirement: 2013 Off-Season has been the Season for Retiring Legends

Ray Lewis, Matt Birk, Ronde Barber. And now Brian Urlacher.

The long-time Chicago Bears middle linebacker joins the list of this era's living legends to retire from the game this off-season, announcing his official retirement on Wednesday. Urlacher played all 13 of his professional seasons in Chicago, and will retire as the third-best MLB in franchise history (behind Butkus and Singletary).

As a versatile player on the field, Urlacher played multiple positions while playing his college ball at the University of New Mexico, including linebacker, safety, wide receiver and return specialist. The All-American was drafted ninth overall by Chicago in the 2000 NFL draft and ended up winning the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year award following his Pro Bowl performance of 125 tackles, 8.0 sacks and two interceptions.

At 6'4"/250 pounds, the eight-time Pro Bowler 'backer was known as a great cover guy throughout his career but was also a feared tackler, chasing down ball-carriers from sideline-to-sideline.

Spread out over 180 career starts, Urlacher's numbers are some of the best you'll see from a middle linebacker during his era (not far behind Baltimore's Lewis), and are consistent across the board: 1,358 combined tackles, 41.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, 15 fumble recoveries, according to Pro-Footballreference.com.

Had Urlacher not missed two games during his rookie campaign, seven during the '04 season, 15 in '09 and four last season, who knows what these numbers could potentially look like. The four-time All Pro was the heart and soul of the Chicago defense during the 2000s––he was named on the league's All-Decade team––and provided veteran leadership to the young guys on the field.

Green Bay Packers All Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers has already come out and said that Urlacher was his favorite opponent and that he'd miss clashing with #54, as well as the banter between the two on the field. I don't feel as though he'd miss being hit by him, however.

With Urlacher's retirement coming the same off-season as Lewis and Ronde Barber, it's very possible that we could end up seeing the three of them being enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame at the same time in 2018. Wouldn't that be something? Each of the three were the face of their respective franchise during the 2000s, and would be welcomed into Canton with open arms.

But the football field will most definitely be missing numbers 52, 20 and 54 once September rolls around.

Additional 2013 retirees:

Donovan McNabb, QB
David Garrard, QB
Matt Birk, C
Rolando McClain, LB
Scott Fujita, LB
Al Harris, CB
Nate Kaeding, K

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Note: Stats according to Pro-footballreference.com

Recapping Week 15: The NFC Playoff Picture and Why the Redskins Will Win the East

The NFC at this point is a bit more wide open than the AFC. Three of the four divisions in the AFC have already been spoken for, and one more is on the verge of being claimed as early as this weekend.

The NFC is a different story, with just half of the playoff spots being taken after 15 weeks and only two division titles have been claimed.

In the South, Atlanta already had the division down a couple of weeks ago but are now just one win away (possibly this coming Saturday against Detroit?) from claiming the top seed in the NFC. A convincing 24-0 shutout of the contending New York Giants (8-6) has shown that Matt Ryan's Falcons are still the team to beat in the conference and are two wins ahead of the next team in line, San Francisco (10-3-1).

Here are the headlines from this past weekend in the NFC...

Packers Fend off Bears for NFC North Title; Chicago and Minnesota jockey for playoff spot

At 10-4, Aaron Rodgers and his Packers have taken home the division title for the second consecutive season. With games against Tennessee and Minnesota still left on the schedule, it's possible that the Pack could beat out the Niners for the second seed and a first round bye if the Niners lose to both the Seahawks and Cardinals.

The Bears have hit a sudden wall and, after starting the season at 7-1 and one of the top contenders in the conference, have fallen in 5 of its last 6 games. Now on the outside looking in on the NFC postseason (Chicago and Minnesota are both 8-6, but Vikings hold tiebreaker), the Bears are in dire need of a couple of victories. In order to have a shot, the Bears will need to win both remaining games on the schedule (Detroit and Arizona) and hope the Vikings do not win out.

That will be tough, however, as Adrian Peterson has put the Vikings on his back and carried them to victories despite an underachieving quarterback in Christian Ponder and losing wideout Percy Harvin for the remainder of the season. The Texans and Packers will be seeing a heavy dose of Peterson over the final two weeks and will need to hold him to under 294 yards if they would like to keep him from breaking the single-season rushing record (set by Eric Dickerson in 1984). I'll be looking closer into Peterson's record-breaking chase sometime in the next day or so.

49ers @ Seahawks: Week 16 Game to Watch

Lucky for us, the primetime Sunday night game this weekend will be between the two teams duking it out for the NFC West title. Normally the chase for the Western division title in the NFC is a pretty bland battle, with the winner finishing around 9-7, 10-6. But this year we've seen two young quarterbacks take over the reins and dazzle opponents, making for an unusual exciting finish out West.

Second-year quarterback Colin Kaepernick took over for the concussed Alex Smith in San Fran, and hasn't looked back since. In his first five professional starts, the 25-year old Kaepernick has posted a 4-1 record with 7 TDs, 2 INTs and over 1,200 yards. He's pulled off victories against teams such as Chicago, New Orleans and, most recently, the 10-win Patriots on Sunday night, putting up 41 points against one of the AFC's best teams.

The rookie signal caller in Seattle, Russell Wilson, has established himself as the Seahawks' future and is a dark horse candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year this season. Carrying Pete Carroll's 'Hawks to a 9-5 record, Wilson has a shot at once again silencing his critics on Sunday night if he can pull off a victory over the Niners. If the Seahawks win on Sunday, they can clinch a playoff spot. Even if they lose, they can still clinch if the Bears, Vikings and Redskins all lose.

Washington, Dallas Victories, Giants loss means a 3-way tie in East

Did I not tell you this would happen? I believe I did a couple of weeks ago. The "Giant" collapse in New York continued with a 24-0 shutout against the Falcons. Their fourth loss over the last six weeks puts them near the bottom of the list of "in the hunt" teams, at No. 9, while the second Redskins' rookie signal caller came out a victor in his first career start. Dallas' Tony Romo kept his 'Boys in the hunt with a 27-24 overtime victory over Big Ben's Steelers, but it will be Washington that ends up coming out a winner.

The Giants will get a Baltimore team sitting on a 3-game losing streak this Sunday, but with Ray Lewis expected to return I can see the Baltimore defense coming into the game hungry. Very hungry. Another Giants loss and the Cowboys facing the Saints, I believe it will be the Skins who pull out ahead in Week 16, defeating the Eagles in Robert Griffin III's return to action.

At 9-6, it will come down to a Cowboys/Redskins grudge match at Fedex Field in Week 17, a match-up in which the Skins will win, completing the season sweep and wrapping up the NFC East. It's a tough pill to swallow for the Giants, likely finishing out the second half of the season with a 3-5 record and completing 2012 with a 9-7 record. But Eli Manning's inconsistency has held back a team that very easily could be at 10-11 wins right now.

NFC Playoff Scenarios

*Falcons clinch first round bye and No. 1 seed with a win. Can clinch first round bye with a win OR a loss by Green Bay OR a loss by San Francisco.
*49ers clinch NFC West with a win over Seattle. Can clinch first round bye with a win AND the Packers lose.
*Seahawks can clinch a playoff spot with a win over San Francisco.
*Redskins can clinch a playoff spot with a win over Philadelphia AND losses by Giants, Bears and Vikings.
*Giants can clinch a playoff spot with a win over Baltimore AND losses by Redskins, Cowboys, Bears and Vikings.

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Week 11: Injured Quarterbacks on Contending Teams

It's been a busy week for the quarterback position thus far, and it's only Wednesday. This past weekend four different teams witnessed its starting quarterback go down with an injury, two of which have already been ruled out for this Sunday's match-ups with division rivals.

Three of these four teams are contenders and the fourth team is fighting for its playoff chances.

The aforementioned quarterbacks include Philly's Michael Vick (concussion), San Francisco's Alex Smith (concussion), Chicago's Jay Cutler (concussion) and Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger (right shoulder sprain).

Vick has been ruled out of Sunday's game against Washington, as rookie Nick Foles will make his first career start for the struggling 3-6 Eagles. Foles, filling in for the injured Vick this past Sunday, completed 22 of his 32 pass attempts for 219 yards, 1 TD and an interception against Dallas. The interception was returned 47 yards for a Brandon Carr touchdown.

If Foles can keep the Eagles competitive, who knows how long Vick will end up being out of the lineup. This may have just lost him the starting job if Foles can take advantage of this opportunity.

Smith, before leaving the game, went 7/8 for 72 yards and a TD before Colin Kaepernick took over and threw for 117 yards on the Niners' way to the first tie since the Eagles and Bengals ended in a 13-13 tie during the 2008 regular season.

Smith appears to be doing much better after suffering the concussion on a blow to the head against the Rams. He's been following NFL protocol for concussions, and if he's cleared by a neurologist he could play in San Fran's Monday night game with the Bears.

Speaking of the Bears, news on Cutler in Chicago is similar to that of Smith. It's unclear as to whether or not he'll play but since no significant news has broken that he isn't likely to play, I think we'll see him in uniform. Smith and Cutler's concussions suffered in Week 10 will certainly make for a interesting Week 11 match-up, should they both suit up and play for their respective teams.

The big news this week has without a doubt been Ben Roethlisberger. All of these concussions have been overshadowed by Roethlisberger's right shoulder sprain suffered in Pittsburgh's 16-13 overtime victory over Kansas City on Monday night. His agent claimed that it is an unusual injury, which tells me this may be a little more serious than just a sprain.

Either way, he's been ruled out for Sunday night's game against AFC North rival Baltimore, leaving the door open for former Jaguars starter Byron Leftwich to make his first official start as a Pittsburgh Steeler.

In terms of contending teams being effected by the injured quarterbacks, I don't think the Bears or Niners have much to worry about, even if Josh McCown starts for the Bears and Kaepernick the Niners this Monday. It's the Steelers that have the most to worry about. With no set timetable for Roethlisberger's recovery, it looks as if it will just be a week-to-week basis until team doctors know more.

One thing is for sure, however. If Pittsburgh is forced to rely on the right arm of Leftwich for the long-term, the team's playoff hopes may go down the drain.

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Week 7: NFL Divisional Matchups - Part II

Analyzing the Week 7 divisional matchups - Part II. Take a look here to see Part I.

AFC EAST

Jets (3-3) at Patriots (3-3): Sunday October 21, 4:25pm EST CBS

The AFC East has a 4-way tie for first with each team, Dolphins, Patriots, Bills and Jets, all at 3-3 (notwithstanding tiebreakers). Even though the Jets had some crucial injuries – shutdown corner Darrelle Revis and veteran wide receiver Santonio Holmes, both out for the season – they still find themselves in the hunt for the division lead. And in spite of a somewhat shaky start with the receiving corps of Jeremy Kerley and Stephen Hill, both now seem to be settling into their respective roles. Along with receiver Chaz Schilens, all three will need to take advantage of the Patriots injury-depleted secondary. Since the Patriots have been good at stopping the run, expect running back Shonn Greene's production to be minimal, forcing quarterback Mark Sanchez and his receivers to exploit the Pats' rookie safeties. The Pats will also have to contend with any sub packages using backup quarterback Tim Tebow.

Tom Brady heads the Patriots high-powered offense and they lead the league in average total yards per game (445) and points per game (31.3). The usually pass-happy Patriots have also added a very effective run game this year. Perhaps the Jets biggest challenge though, will be counteracting the Pats hurry-up, no huddle offense. The Pats have successfully used it in keeping defenses guessing and off-balance, and most of all, exhausted. To keep the game close, the Jets need to contain wide receiver Wes Welker and the always dangerous tight end tandem of Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. Expect to see safeties Yeremiah Bell and LaRon Landry helping corners Kyle Wilson and Antonio Cromartie cover the tight ends. The Patriots, though, will use this game to re-establish their supremacy in the AFC East.

Prediction: Jets 19 Patriots 41

AFC NORTH

Steelers (2-3) at Bengals (3-3): Sunday October 21, 8:20pm EST NBC

If any team has shown us the folly of making preseason predictions, it is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Currently sitting at 2-3 and 3^rd in the division, the Steelers will undoubtedly take this opportunity to turn their season around. But it will be no easy task as they are 0-3 on the road with all three losses coming after leading in the 4^th quarter. Another factor making their task difficult is the injuries they've suffered to key personnel, especially on defense and their failure in jumpstarting a viable running game. Star running back Rashard Mendenhall has only played in one full game due to injury and backups Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer, who have also suffered injuries, have not taken up the slack. With the Bengals ranking 2^nd in sacks with 20, Big Ben's skill of evading defenders and extending the play will be tested. But if it's a case of an irresistible force meeting an immovable object, my money's on the immovable object, Big Ben.

The Bengals greatest offensive asset is 2^nd year wide receiver A.J. Green. The Dalton-Green connection has contributed to their averaging 282 passing yards per game, good enough for 8^th in the league. However, quarterback Andy Dalton has been vulnerable when pressured, throwing 8 interceptions when blitz pressure is applied. Can the Steelers defensive line keep enough pressure on Dalton to disrupt his flow and force miscues? Both teams are struggling with the run. The Bengals are 21^st averaging 99 yards per game; while the Steelers rank 31^st averaging just 74. The game will be decided by each quarterback's ability to connect with their respective receivers: Dalton with Green and Andrew Hawkins and Big Ben with Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emanuel Sanders. Because of the injuries to key Steelers, and the fact that those who are returning this week may not be playing to full potential, here's my one upset pick of the 6 division matchups this week (if picking the 2^nd place team over the 3^rd place one can even be called an upset).

Prediction: Steelers 17 Bengals 23

Update: QB Ben Roethlisberger left Thursday's practice early after sustaining an ankle injury. We will have to stay tuned to see if this development will impact Sunday's game.

NFC NORTH

Lions (2-3) at Bears (4-1):  Monday October 19, 8:30pm EST on ESPN

To say that the Detroit Lions have gotten off to a slow start is an understatement. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who threw for over 5,000 yards last year, has only 4 touchdowns to 5 interceptions through 5 games. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who led the league in touchdown receptions for WRs last year with 16, only has one so far. They face a stout Chicago defense that is ranked No. 1 in defending the run, only allowing an average of 65 rushing yards per game. The Bears are also No. 1 in points allowed per game with 14.2. The Lions' running game has gotten off to a slow start, though back Mikel Leshoure, who missed the first two games of the season, has given the Lions some spark at the position. Because of their stalled running game, the Lions will rely heavily on the pass.

Bears' running back Matt Forte's big play potential keeps defenses on their heels and opens up the passing game. The Lions will have to keep pressure on quarterback Jay Cutler to disrupt his connection with deep-threat wide receiver Brandon Marshall. The key to the game will be how well the Bears' defense can contain the Lions' receiving arsenal of Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, Titus Young, and tight ends Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler. With the Lions trying to get back in the hunt in the AFC North, this will be a crucial game for both teams.

Prediction: Lions 21 Bears 23

Note: statistics quoted (exc. pts per game) are rounded off for clarity

Photo credit
Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images North America

Thursday Night Football: League's Most-Storied Rivalry Renewed

Yet another first for the 2012 NFL season tonight, as tonight marks the first Thursday Night Football matchup of the season. And it's only Week 2.

One of the great moves, in my opinion, for this season is the fact that primetime Thursday football takes place throughout the entire season rather than mid-to-late in the season like previous seasons.

The 0-1 Green Bay Packers, led by reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers, will play host to the 1-0 Chicago Bears tonight (on NFL Network) as the National Football League's fiercest and most-storied rivalry renews.

In 182 all-time regular season meetings, the Bears currently hold a 91-85-6 series lead. The teams have only met twice in the postseason, however, and that series is tied at 1-1. The first-ever meeting between the two teams came on November 21, 1921, back when the Bears were named the Chicago Staleys. According to pro-football-reference.com, the "Staleys" won that game 20-0 and virtually owned the rivalry early on, winning seven of the first 10 match-ups.

As of late, the Chicago/Green Bay rival has been dominated by the green and gold, posting a 7-2 head-to-head record, including a 21-14 NFC Championship victory, since the start of the 2008 regular season.

Now that we have a bit of background information on the league's oldest rivalry, it's time to get on with business. Chicago defeated the Indianapolis Colts 41-21 on Sunday in rookie Andrew Luck's pro debut. The Packers on the other hand, were shocked at home by the NFC runner-ups from last season in San Francisco, 30-22.

Green Bay lost just one regular season game all of last year, but all of a sudden in the first week of play they find themselves sitting at 0-1. Clearly no one is going to be panicking after one week of a 16-game season, but if anyone wants this game more, it's the Packers.

Despite the news that Pro Bowl wideout Greg Jennings (groin) will not be active tonight, I believe the Packers will win on its home turf at Lambeau Field. My prediction: Chicago 21, Green Bay 35

Enjoy tonight's game!

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Deadline Comes and Goes, Three Sign Long-term Deals

The deadline to sign franchise-tagged players to a long-term deal has officially passed (4 PM ET). Three players agreed to new deals just prior to the deadline:

Ray Rice, Ravens: five years, $40 million

Matt Forte, Bears: four years, $31.5 million

Josh Scobee, Jaguars: four years, $13.8 million

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees led the way by agreeing to and signing a five-year, $100 million ($60 million in guaranteed money) last Friday, giving hope to the last couple of players that were seeking deals to avoid being paid under the franchise tag.

With the possibility of a training camp hold out in Rice and Forte's future, Baltimore and Chicago had some motivation to get a new deal done by today's deadline.

Rice's five-year deal, which was reportedly worth roughly $40 million, gives him $17 million for 2012, and $8 million in 2013. Had he not signed the deal, he would have been lined up to make about $7.7 million this season. Smart move for both Rice and the Ravens organization. Rice is happy with his new deal which will likely make him a Raven for life, and smart move for Baltimore in keeping their top offensive player happy.

Had Forte not signed his new four-year deal, I would like to believe that he would, in fact, have held out of training camp. This has been a hot topic for debate in Chicago over the last year or so. Will Forte get a deal he's happy with? Fortunately it has finally been settled, and we can get back to talking football.

Jaguar kicker Josh Scobee was the third and finally name to reach a long-term deal. The 30-year old placekicker signed a four-year deal that was reported to amount to roughly $3.45 million per year (I did the math, which came out to about $13.8 mil overall).

I think it's safe to say that each of the three contracts have a good chance at allowing Rice, Forte and Scobee to stick with their respective teams for the rest of their careers. That's what I'm hoping, at least. Anything can change in the coming years, however.

Now, can we finally get back to football? Training camp is just around the corner, you know!

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If it 'Aint Broke, Don't Fix it!

Commissioner Roger Goodell and the National Football League believe that moving kickoffs from the 30-yard up to the 35-yard line will help in assuring player's safety.

While that may be so, in the case that it will clearly eliminate some kickoffs, I really think this was an unnecessary rule change.

This past Friday I went to the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Washington Redskins preseason opener at Fedex Field, and the first thing I noticed was that every single kickoff went in to the end zone, and about 95 percent of them were either too deep to return or sailed out of the ball of the end zone. One even came close to splitting the uprights.

Eliminating some kickoffs would have been a boost in player safety, because that way there would be less plays where 11 players are running full speed down the field hitting anything and everything in his path. But eliminating the element of the kickoff altogether is pretty much what this has turned in to.

Washington's kick returner Brandon Banks did make a very nice play on a kick that was five yards deep in the end zone, returning the ball to midfield for the Skins. But other than that, most kicks turned in to touchbacks.

Banks' lone kick return Friday night against Pittsburgh. This return, taken from deep in the end zone, went for 58 yards and was the only KO return of the game (from either team). The rest were touchbacks.

Of course this was the whole plan for Goodell, which is slowly but surely taking away from the game of football. I'm all for player safety, because that is what prolongs player's careers. But this isn't the answer. Taking away the running start that the kicking team (used) to be allowed, and making them line up five yards from the kicking tee was a good move. But creating more touchbacks? No way. And I'm sure kick returners are outraged by the change as well.

You've got to give Chicago Bears head coach (Lovie Smith) a hand for what he did in his team's preseason opener in Buffalo. The league wasn't happy, but I'm sure the other five teams that voted against the rule change were stoked to hear that Smith took a stand against the rule change.

League officials, of course, weren't too happy that Mr. Smith ignored the rule change and kicked from the 30-yard line on Saturday night. The officials didn't seem to catch on right away.

They were eventually simply told to stop doing it, by League officials, during the game, but I would like to point out that Lovie had a legitimate reason for doing it and wasn't just trying to show them up.

Smith was later quoted, saying "we weren't really getting a good evaluation on what we can do coverage-wise on some of our players. That's what we were trying to do with it" according to an NFL.com story.

Lovie Smith backs his return-man Hester when it comes to the league's rule change, moving the kickoffs up five yards to the 35-yard line.

It's clear teams are not in favor of the change, and I think what Smith did is the best way of protesting the new rule. No matter how wrong Smith was, I support his decision and hope the league gets the message. If there's enough protesting by teams, maybe the league will change the rule back for 2012...we could only hope.

I personally can't wait to hear Devin Hester speak out about this issue, should be interesting.

**Photos found on Google, no copyright infringement intended**

Repeat in Chicago? Chances of a Bears NFC North Division Repeat in 2011

Chicago capped off its spectacular 2010 regular season campaign by winning two of its final three showdowns, bouncing back after being embarrassed by New England's high-flying offense in a week 14 matchup (36-7 beatdown at home).

The team's week 17 loss to division foe Green Bay, 10-3 at Lambeau Field, may have been the result of having no motivation (already clinched division) and facing a team battling for a playoff spot.

Quarterback Jay Cutler threw for 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns for the fourth consecutive season, and while at it he saw his interception total drop from 26 in '09 down to 16. A significant change indeed.

Despite a much improved Cutler and an increased run game led by Matt Forte's 1,069 yards and six touchdowns, Chicago's offense dropped from 23rd overall the year before, to 30th this past season. That's why it was so crucial that head coach Lovie Smith and the Bears' organization revamp the defense.

They did just that over the offseason, adding top tier pass rusher Julius Peppers and promoting Rod Marinelli to defensive coordinator. Overall, the Bears' defense went from 17th overall to cracking the top 10 at No. 9 this past season. They allowed just 286 points in 16 games, good enough for fourth in the league.

With a revitalized Brian Urlacher leading the pack, Chicago allowed less than 20 points on 10 different occasions. If the Bears were losing, it was because of a lack of offensive production on Cutler's part. Going 6-2 on the road surely helped the cause, as well.

Beating out the eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers for the division title was quite a feat on Chicago's part, but with Cutler's leadership skills and toughness being questioned after his actions in the Bears' conference championship loss to those same Packers, will Chicago still be able to get things together and repeat as division champs?

When you look at the whole picture, I think it's a simple no. I believe they have the ability to return to the playoffs if Forte can get himself together. The offensive line has huge question marks as well, and will certainly need to be addressed through the draft this April. Allowing a league-high 52 sacks of Cutler surely made a difference in how the season played out.

Improving the offensive line and adding a formidable weapon or two to add to Cutler's arsenal should be Chicago's main concern in the draft. As for the defense, replacing defensive tackle Tommie Harris (released earlier today) seems to be the only troubling thing I can see, other than adding another cornerback. If Brian Urlacher remains in health I think the Chicago defense will be okay.

At this point, Chicago's chances at repeating seem very slim. Not because the improvements needed to be made wont be made, but simply because Green Bay is the team to beat. Any time a team wins the Super Bowl, they are automatically the team to beat the following season.

Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers is just hitting his prime, and with most of his weapons likely to make a return in 2011, I think this Green Bay offense is as dangerous as ever. Not to mention the return of running back Ryan Grant. The emergence of James Starks and return of Grant is enough for Green Bay's run game to set up the play-action very nicely for Rodgers in 2011.

Move over, Chicago. Green Bay is back and ready for a fifth Lombardi trophy at Lambeau.

Photo Credit

Jay Cutler: AP Photo/Klichiro Sato

Greg Olsen: Mike DiNovo/U.S. Presswire

Video of the Day (2/23/11): Spellman Battling Bipolar Disorder

This 10 minute video clip from a piece on former Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions and brief AFL (Las Vegas Gladiators) defensive end talks about how Alonzo Spellman has battled with a major case of Bipolar Disorder throughout his life.

The disorder effected his playing career greatly, and ended up cutting it short. As you watch the video you will discover that he even served jail time because of his manic episodes.

Spellman served jail time again, in 2008, after this documentary was created and shown on television.

Very strong stuff.

Cutler, Chicago Put Seattle's Super Bowl Dreams to Bed with Big Win at Solider Field

After narrowly defeating division rival St. Louis at home back on January 2 to clinch the NFC West, many fans, and even 'experts' had a fit about the 7-9 Seattle Seahawks hosting a game in the playoffs. Not just any playoff game though, it happened to be a Wild Card matchup with the defending champion New Orleans Saints.

But, after Seattle knocked off the Saints, 41-36, last weekend, everybody and their momma seemed to jump all over Seattle's playoff bandwagon. It was almost as if the 13-3 Chicago Bears, the NFC's second seed, were no longer the favorites, despite being favored by 10 points according to many bookies.

All of the talk ended as soon as Seattle stepped in to the snowy Soldier Field yesterday, though.

The 35-24 final score really doesn't tell the whole story. You kind of had to watch the game in order to fully understand the Chicago dominance in this one. Once again, Matt Hasselbeck's stats were outstanding (26/46, 258 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INT), which is what we have come to expect from the veteran, but his offense didn't start clicking until the final quarter of play. Much too late for Pete Carroll's Seahawks.

Quarterback Jay Cutler (15/28, 274 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT) seemed flawless in his postseason debut, but it was the Bears' run game that was the difference in this matchup, overpowering Seattle for 176 yards, including Matt Forte's 80 yards and Cutler's two rushing TDs.

Seattle, on the other hand, couldn't get anything going on the ground, running for just 34 yards as a team. As I told you in my preview and bold predictions post, Da Bears shut down last week's hero--Marshawn Lynch--for just two yards on four carries. Why they didn't use Lynch more often is beyond me, but Chicago did what they could to stop him on his limited carries.

The score read 28-3 at the end of three quarters, seemingly out of reach for Seattle. Not so fast. Hasselbeck finally got things under control and led Seattle on three fourth quarter touchdown drives. If it wasn't for Cutler's 39-yard bomb to Kellen Davis with just under five minutes to play, we probably would've had ourselves a game.

Nevertheless, Chicago forced the Seahawks to be one dimensional, both through defense by shutting their RBs down, and through offense for taking a huge early lead at the half. This forced Seattle to play catchup the entire second half, making it tough to effectively run the football.

With Green Bay's red-hot offense coming in to Soldier Field next weekend, there's a chance we could see a history-making NFC Championship on Sunday.

One could only hope...

Photo credit

Bears offense: AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Just a couple of BOLD Predictions for Today's Games

Just about ten minutes until the first game, Seattle vs. Chicago at Soldier Field, kicks off on FOX. So why not take one last sneak peak at the final two games of the Divisional round.

Here are a few predictions of mine which are longshots to happen, but are still certainly possible in today's match-ups:

*After being sacked by Seattle's defense six times in the Seattle/Chicago week six showdown, the Bears make a nice recovery as Seattle's defense, led by D-end Chris Clemons, gets to Cutler just twice. Cutler finishes the game mistake-free as well.

*Eight days after Marshawn Lynch's "greatest run in postseason history," in which he broke eight tackles on a 67-yard game-clinching touchdown run to slay the giant (defending champion Saints), the Seattle running back is shut down by Chicago's top-tier defense.

*Tom Brady scorches trash-talking New York cornerback Antonio Cromartie for three touchdowns in a New England blowout.

*Mark Sanchez is sacked four times, and picked off three more times, in his matchup against New England's defense, whom intercepted the opposition a league-leading 25 times in the regular season.

Enjoy the games, and keep an eye on these four bold predictions of mine.

Photo credit

Marshawn Lynch: NFL/Kirby Lee

Niners Fire Head Coach Singletary

Last night's firing of Niners' head coach Mike Singletary should tell us one thing: If you don't deliver results in the NFL, you wont be sticking around long.

Singletary, the former Chicago Bears linebacker who was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1998, worked as the 49ers assistant coach from 2005-2008 after a short stint (2003-04) as Baltimore's assistant. Once San Francisco fired head coach Mike Nolan (18-37 in four seasons, never finished better than third in division) halfway through the '08 season, Singletary took over as interim coach.

After going 5-4, and finishing in second in the NFC West at the end of the '08 regular season, Singletary was named head coach.

In his only full season in 2009, Singletary's Niners, who were said to be on the rise after being replenished with younger players, finished the season 8-8 and again placed second in the division. San Francisco were crowned division favorites by plenty of analysts and writers this off-season, but his job appeared to be up for grabs after a slow start, and finish.

Just last night, after San Fran was eliminated from playoff contention with a 25-17 loss to St. Louis and a heated argument with quarterback Troy Smith (who was benched mid-game by Singletary) on the sidelines, owner and team president Jed York fired Singletary with just one week in the season remaining.

Defensive line coach Jim Tomsula was named the team's interim coach for the final week of the season against the Arizona Cardinals.

Why York decided to go through with the firing now instead of waiting one more week until the end of the season is beyond me, but the fact is that it happened and that Tomsula has a shot at impressing his boss against the Cards.

Photo Credit

Mike Singletary: AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

The "Return King" Helps Chicago Capture First Division Title Since 2006

Before the season, knowing that Brett Favre would be in a Viking uniform, this matchup was supposed to be heavily favored in the opposite direction. Towards a Minnesota blowout.

But, instead, the now 10-4 Chicago Bears clinched the NFC North division with their 40-14 blowout of the Minnesota Vikings.

The game was played in the University of Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium rather than Minnesota's Metrodome since the Dome had yet to be repaired after snow damaged the roof two weeks ago. Minnesota players had been complaining about the poor conditions all week long. As for Chicago? They are used to playing football in wintry conditions, and we didn't hear a peep from them all week.

The hard ground did prove to be a factor throughout the game, though, as Brett Favre left early in the second quarter with an apparent head injury after rookie defensive end Corey Wootton, out of Northwestern, slammed Favre to the turf for his first NFL sack.

He did not return and was replaced by rookie Joe Webb, the former UAB signal caller, who was named tonight's starter earlier in the week before Favre suddenly decided to tough it out despite the bad conditions. Favre was 5/7 for 63 yards, 1 TD and an INT with Minnesota trailing 10-7 when he left the game.

Minnesota was without All Pro running back Adrian Peterson, who sat out because of lagging leg injuries sustained in previous weeks. Yet another rookie, RB Toby Gerhart, got his chance to shine in the spotlight. It was his first career start, and he sure did show he can tough it out in the cold, running for 77 yards on 16 carries. It was actually Webb who got the ball in the end zone using his legs, though, as he used his speed to hit the corner of the end zone on a 13-yard run early in the second half.

Despite great efforts, Webb's two interceptions became too costly for Minnesota's offense, and Cutler's offense really showed up to play as he threw for three touchdowns.

Other than another spectacular defensive performance put up by Chicago, I think the real headline here may have to do with special teams.

Devin Hester, A.K.A. the "Return King," set an NFL record after he ran back a Minnesota punt 64 yards for a touchdown just three minutes in to the second half. The significance? It was Hester's 14th career kick/punt returned for a touchdown, setting the all-time NFL record for return touchdowns (punt/kick), breaking Brian Mitchell's record of 13. What I think is so great about this, is that Hester hasn't even completed his fifth season in the league yet, and it took Mitchell 14 years with the Eagles, Redskins and Giants to run back 13 kicks.

This truly is a spectacular feat, and although this is certainly a breakable record, I don't think it will ever be achieved as quick as Hester did this season. Funny thing is, Minnesota's fans were booing punter Chris Kluwe for continuously punting out of bounds in his previous punts. Well, Minnesota fans, you got what you want. I hope your happy now.

Congratulations, Chicago.

Photo Credit

Minnesota Fans: AP Photo/Hannah Foslien

Devin Hester: AP Photo/Andy King

Rodgers' Concussion puts Green Bay's Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy

In the middle of a heated NFC North battle with the Chicago Bears, the Green Bay Packers experienced a setback in yesterday's game.

Star quarterback and the team's "face of the franchise" Aaron Rodgers suffered a concussion in the second quarter of a showdown with the Detroit Lions. Before leaving the game, Rodgers was 7/11 for 46 yards and an interception.

Third-year quarterback Matt Flynn, an LSU alum, was forced to step in immediately. Flynn didn't do too bad (15/26, 177 yards, 1 INT), but led Green Bay on only one scoring drive, which added just three points to the scoreboard.

In the end, a superb defensive performance (two sacks, two INTs, 3/15 on third downs, 7 points) was put to waste as the Detroit Lions--with third string QB Drew Stanton making his second consecutive start--came away with its third win of the season, 7-3.

The only touchdown of the game came midway through the final quarter of play as Stanton hit 29-year old tight end Wes Heller from 13 yards out. It was Heller's only catch of the game.

Luckily for Green Bay, Chicago was stomped by the New England Patriots, meaning the Pack are still only one game behind Da Bears for the division lead. Green Bay's matchup with the New York Giants next week is very crucial. Rodgers will likely be able to play, but if he isn't able to lead his Pack to the victory, they may not get the chance to snag a playoff spot.

Hopefully, it will all come down to week 17's Chicago/Green Bay game in Lambeau. Those are always fun, especially if they are both fighting for the division title.

Get ready for a crazy, final two weeks in Lambeau.

Photo Credit

Aaron Rodgers: AP Photo/Paul Sancya

WIS Match-up of the Day: '00 Ravens v.s. '85 Bears

Using Whatifsports.com's simulator (http://whatifsports.com/locker/), I am introducing a new, hopefully daily, column.  Today's WIS Match-up of the Day will be between two past Super Bowl champions, and have arguably two of the best defensive units of all-time.  The 1985 Chicago Bears (and the Super Bowl Shuffle) and the 2000 Baltimore Ravens (and Ray Lewis' one-of-a-kind pregame dance)..

ENJOY!

The Place: LA Coliseum

Game Day Weather: 70 degrees, 0% precipitation, light wind

Offensive playbook: Favor run (both teams)

Game Action:

A majority of the scoring in this game happened in the fourth quarter, which is very uncharacteristic with two defenses of this caliber on the field.

Chicago's Hall of Fame running back, and today's player of the game, Walter Payton, opened the scoring up with a 17-yard catch and run late in the second quarter of play.  Kevin Butler's extra point made it a 7-0 game and was, again, the only score of the first half.

Both offensive units surprisingly played nearly mistake-free football.  Baltimore's two signal-callers--starter Trent Dilfer and Tony Banks--were rather inconsistent, completing just 13 of 30 pass attempts, but did not turn the ball over.  On the other side, Chicago's usually sub-par quarterback Jim McMahon managed to stay turnover-less as well.

Possible Hall of Fame kicker Matt Stover finally put Baltimore on the board with a 48-yard field goal early in the final quarter of play.  Baltimore took their first lead 12 minutes later when Obafemi Ayanbadejo squeezed in to the end zone from two yards out.

McMahon drove his Bears' offense down the field and, with under a minute to go, threw his second and final touchdown pass of the game to WR Willie Gault, a 38-yard connection.  The drive lasted seven plays and went for 66 yards before the score put Mike Ditka's Bears up 14-10.

Trent Dilfer failed to get a drive together, going just four plays before turning the ball over on downs.  Chicago kicker Kevin Butler sealed the win with a last-second 38-yard field goal.

BAL 10, CHI 17

Box Score: http://whatifsports.com/NFL/boxscore.asp?GameID=3275154&teamfee=-1&theme=-1

As expected, most of the stat categories were nearly identical.  Great game.  Come back tomorrow for the next 'WIS Match-up of the Day'