Brian Urlacher or Mike Singletary?

I'm calling this a push.

They acually talked about this on the radio this morning. Singletary definitely wasn't as physically gifted as Urlacher is. I would definitely pick Urlacher over Singletary, especially with Urlacher being as young as he is. And remember, he used to be a safety in college, so he is still learning the position. I also think Singletary played with a better overall set of linebackers than Urlacher is.

I think its a fair comparison. Mike Singletary thus far has the greater career. I will never forget those menacing eyes peering over the line directly at the runningback! And WHO can forget his bold predictions of Eric Dickerson fumbles. In an uncharacteristist fashion Samauri Mike prognosticated those 3 turnovers and then went out and made it happen. Eric Dickerson was arguably the best back in the game at that time. Singletary's intensity was reflected in his eyes and he just refused to let teams run on the Bears. He was a hard hitter too! I must say I remain somewhat partial to the gentle Christian he was off the field also. He was the embodiment of what it is to be a Chicago Bear. A perfect gentleman and a disclplined warrior on the field.

Brian Urlacher is a spectacular player in his ownright! He is as fast as a cornerback with the size and power of a linebacker! Urlacher is known for running down and wrapping up runningbacks like a rodeo cowboy and a steer. Because of his size and strength, its amazing to watch him hunt down smaller guys like a lion chasing down a gazelle. His lingering prowess lurking up and down the line gives headaches to the offensive linemen who cannot match his speed. At times he appears unblocked! I know that no coach in his right mind would not account for this man on every play. Especially running plays which are his specialty. Urlacher is just a freak! He is earning the respect that goes with his ability. Urlacher has to talent to surpass the acheivements of a Mike Singletary on the field. Off the field, no comparison. The edge goes to the Samauri for now. But with each game, Mr. Shur-Lacher is closing in fast on greatness and imortality. I for one surely hopes he does. Sincerely, kd.

I love them both and each has his strong points and weak points urlacher has the speed while I think singletary was a bit more intense and was able to shed blockers a bit better. I will say urlacher appears to be improving in both areas I mentioned and when he gets them down look out!! I would have to give my number 1 vote to THE best DICK BUTKUS! That was the meanest, nastiest SOB that ever put on a set of football pads!!!!!!! He is the face of what chicago and the bears are all about!!

Frank, you got that right!

Pure football talent goes to urlacher.Pure intimadation goes to singeltary.I just don't think people are scared of urlacher as they were of singletary. If you listen to all the people talk about the hard hitters now you think of lewis, harrison,merriman and so forth.Hell mike brown has a better rep as a hitter then urlacher.I'm not taking anyhing away from the future hall-of-famer. i wouldn't trade him for anybody in the nfl(except maybe peyton manning).

We have to state first that both are (or were) great linebackers, leaders, and emotional handholds in whatever tempest football could throw at them.

But I find a difference between the two that could be a major factor.

As seen in the Arizona game, Urlacher has the ability to take over a game. But I now have to question why that ability isn't there every single play instead of when he got tired of Leinart picking the D apart and decided to do it himself.

Brian became superhuman at that point, but I believe Brian is always superhuman. He could do the same thing the entire game.

We all slack off a bit if we know someone else will pick up the slack. We all do this, except those chosen few that live for every play.

Singletary was this type of player. Every play someone was scared of him. Every play he had it in his eyes that this ball was HIS, and HE was taking it no matter what.

Mike didn't have the same level of talent as Brian (I know I will hear people disputing that). He was one of the all time greats. But he played to his potential each and every play. He was no actor. Those eyes weren't an acting job. Those eyes ate the offense alive. You could look in them and actually see him spitting out the flesh of a running back after a tackle, getting up, and asking for more. Sort of like kitten in a Christmas tree full of tinsel and a fan blowing on it. Just set them up so he can take them down again.

Brian needs that look. Not just the look, but the fire that fueled that look. He needs it every single play. That is what will make the rest of the D stand out. A running back will cut towards another Bear rather than become the spewed up mauled flesh of our middle linebacker after one or two hits and that look.

Brian, he's simply great. But he is destined for more than great. He is destined to be the definition of the position. It's waiting for him. All he has to do is remember what he felt for 10 minutes in the 4th quarter every time he steps out there. That ball is his, and someone else has taken it from him. Get it back.

Yep - I agree with Frank and BigBadBear - BUTKUS is THE MAN and gets my vote. Dick is the best middle linebacker that ever played the game !

Butkus, Singletary, Urlacher? Clones. I would like each of them on my flank in a dark alley. Let's move on to the outside LB's. More to talk about there.

I agree with cal for the most part. We can go on and on about all three linebackers, but only one has given us a Superbowl title. We know who that is. I love all our great linebackers, but only one has topped it off with a ring. The rest is hype, no matter how much you love them. Go Bears!

Singletary wasnt even the best linebacker on the bears at that time.His firece look made him more famous than he was.He may have been good at calling plays but he was physically no wilber Marshal.Ask some one who would they rather have hit them.Didnt anyone ever see the times runners broke tackles on him?Wirhout his eyes he wouldnt be in the hall of fame.Urlacher can make plays Mike couldnt even get too,let alone make a tackle.

This reminds me of the, "Who would you rather have, Elway or Marino" debates and the answer is the same, you can have first choice and I will take the one you don't want. We are lucky to have had both of them

How good wood Singletary be if he had to play next to Hillenmeyer...not too good.

How good would Urlacher have been playing in the early 70's against offensive guards that were 250 lbs? Two words...Vanilla Freak!!!

I think Hillenmeyer is one of the most intelligent and highest character guys in the entire NFL. He can play too. If anyone thinks he shouldn't be a starter then you have to blame Lovie. He's the man that makes the decisions or is responsible for the decisions of his subordinate coaches that have been allowed to make decisions. You can't blame a player for taking playing time. Blame the guy that put him out there if you have a problem with him.

When comparing guys from different eras you have to keep in mind that we have substitutions out the wazoo, now.Guys had to play all downs.That means that some guys don't have to play a complete game like that did in 85.We substitute way more than they did.We had starters playing on special teams.And people on the bench who never saw the field.Now everyone plays and guys are rotated in and out on the def.line.Singletary played all downs until he was in his 10th year.Brian plays all downs, too.Brian has the speed and some teams can scheme to neutralize him.Don't let Arizona's game fool you.Denny Green did such a poor job of coaching that it looked like he was TRYING to lose.I'm not saying he was but it was an awful game of play calling on his part.And why did he take over playcalling after his team was so successful before he started calling them.Stupid, stupid, stupid.But Brian has rarely taken over a game like that.Mike used to call out the teams plays as they were lining up.He was a great student of the game.He was an overachiever in every sense of the word.He played along side wilson and Marshall for only 3 seasons and achieved recognition after they were long gone.He was intense and used everything above his G**given abilities to be a winner as long as he was here.Brian sometimes get by on his abilities alone.I love the guy just like I loved Mike,but he can't put it on his shoulders like he should.He's the leader of this defense and he sometimes defer his power to someone else.With all the characters we had who can say that Mike wasn't the leader.No one is in the Hall because of the big eyes.You might as well take some guys out because they didn't play against Jim Brown or a runner like him.Take guys out who didn't play more than 6 seasons,like Sayers.Or dragged a bad leg around their last year like Butkus.To imply those things wouldn't make sense.Those guys are great because they played GREAT.They are in the hall because of what they achieved.Not appearances.During Mike's career they always referred to him as A FUTURE hall of famer.No one has come out and said that about Brian.Butkus never said anything remotely negative about Mike.He has about Brian.From the Hero's mouth.Mike was always a great MLB even through his college career.Brian was a good Safety in college who found the right position to play in the NFL.He is still learning,I hope.Maybe if he put this team on his back and win a Superbowl for Chicago like Mike did he can pass Mike on achievements like we as fans really like.We are a society that root for the underdog and the overachievers.That's why the White Sox won a World Series.Talent alone will not always win.Sometimes someone has to put the work in and be a student of the game.Mike was like another coach on the field.He kept everyone in place on the field.You can say that he helped his teammates make plays just by telling them what play was coming.That was absolutely great and for people not to see that shows some people don't know what the sport is about.I'd take Butkus first,Mike 2nd and Brian 3rd.Either way I'd have a GREAT player.One thing I don't like is how the team boost Brian's tackle total after games.He can put a hand on a back on the ground on a gang tackle and get credit for the tackle.They give him TOO much credit sometimes.If he was looking for a new contract I'm sure they would start taking them away.That said,GO BEARS!!

BigBadBear...I agree. The mistake the Bears made was not trading down the year they took Benson, to take Derrick Johnson out of TX who is custom made for this D. Hillenmeyer's lack of athleticism, and the bad angles he takes are generally overlooked by the media because he is articulate and is good at interviews. That doesn't make him a starting LB and unfortunately the coaches don't see it.

I think you would get few arguments about Hillenmeyer being the weakest player on the D - but not every D has all 1st round picks. Given the strength of the D line, as well as Briggs and Urlacher, you can get away with it.

what a qestion. first of all how can you campare mike singletary and brian urlacker without adding dick butkus into the mix? i know the question is 85 or 06, singletary or urlacker? both are intense players, both always found the ball. both are smart. one is know an assistant head coach who is on his way to becoming an outstanding head coach. the others career is just begining. both lead a stout defence, one to the promise land the other will eventually be in the big dance. mike made his mark on the sidelines, briab is making his as we speak. who is better? the game has changed over the past 20 years, who is better? is your grandmother a better cook then your mother? is your grandfather a better fisherman then your dad?? do you really want to make that comparison????????????

If Urlacher could play every game like he did on Monday night against the Cardinals, he would have my vote. I like Singletary, intense, a leader, and very vocal. Urlacher is outstanding, but he is no Singletary.

It's quite impossible to compare different eras, even when they are only 20 years apart. Singletary was great because he actually played at the very limit of his physical ability. Then his sheer DESIRE became part of the equation. In this respect he is unmatched, except perhaps by L.T. by refusing to be stopped. Urlacher on the other hand can't be defined just yet. But I can tell you this, when I'm watching a play unfold on t.v. and a blur flys by I know who it is. This to me is amazing because I've been watching or playing football for 35 years, and I've never seen ANYONE close that fast. No, I think in another 5 or 6 years we'll be able to assess mr. Urlacher a little better.
Now, on a slightly different front, whoever chooses to criticize any player without having experienced the dynamics of playing (especially this game of football) the sport doesn't have a clue. In fact I would say their opinion is worthless.
Half of this game is behind the scenes. Just the psychology of how you affect the guys around you with your own intensity is magnified and immeasureable. I've played with very good players who motivated the hell out of me and with good ones who I resented by their lack of desire to be their best. You also have the factor of playing within the framework of your teams designs and schemes. So as far as Urlacher not taking over the game more often, I'm not a mind reader of Rivera or Lovie. I don't presume to know what they are asking him to do. I believe too many fans do make this assumption.
I know you can't keep the average fan who never played the game from assuming all the answers are just so simple. I would just hope they realize there are so many more unseen facets, that they keep critical comments to those that deserve it (T.O.,A.Brooks, Meshawn). Personally I believe we have been blessed to have middle linebackers that people want to compare.
The biggest, brightest star in that universe was cursed by injury at the Illini. If Mr. Butkus had not injured that knee so early in his life or had lived in the age of arthroscopic surgery we wouldn't even be having this topic covered. Within 2 weeks of practice at Illinois U. even as a freshman everyone knew who the man was, and fear had become a strategic weapon on his field. Dick Butkus was THEE Bear. He's the reason I became a bear fan. 8 years old and watching a game because the Colts weren't on, I saw number 51 destroy Altie Taylor and Mel Farr. And just for good measure knock out Charlie Sanders.
Thats when I realized its's all about DESIRE. I could play the game because I just wanted it more, even though I was small. I will never be dissappointed by these Bears as long as I see that desire.

All of them display their own unique intensity. Yet, just the fact that Urlacher came along and created his own role in the midst of his predecessors is really impressive and something that needs to be taken into account. Technically, he may be the best given the history and pressure to perform at that position.

Who really cares about this...They both played for the Bears...Nuff said...The anal sports peeps never fail to come up with something to split hairs about...Pffffffttt

Urlacher could be replaced in that schem with another track star....MLB is ALL about intimidation! Mike earned his by knocking people in the mouth,not outrunning them but catching them with the right path to the ball and punishing them after.
I hear about Urlacher striping the ball from behind or running down a ballcarrier but common man, he is not a rookie and he does not intimidate on the field...Mike Singletary HIT YOU and YOU DROPPED the BALL or They dropped the ball cause he was comming.
When you are GREAT you don't need as much speed cause you keep the plays in front of you....Hall of Fame Mike Singletary! Dick Butkus was in that mold of MLB!
Ray Lewis is in that mold of MLB!
Just my choice baby....Let's see if that speed can make up for the loss of Mike Brown.True leadership and
Intimidation Would "Cause we like that kind of party!"

Futhermore,I agree with William R.Donald....I thought I was the only guy to even sugest that Urlachers tackle total is a sham! William thank you cause they have been boosting the hype relentlessly .
He comes after the play and gets credit for being "AROUND" as far as "Learning"His speed alows him to make up for his lack of instinc at the position and he is rarly the first tackler to the ball. He has been in the league for Seven years man! So let us compare him to a "Safety" Compare him to Gary Fensik....I would take Fensik at MLB or Safety over Urlacher. Not a knock on Urlacher...We love our MLB in Chicago...But he is not in the same mold...as far as the game changing, MLB has not changed one bit and Butkus would be as great today,so would Singletary.

Singletary and stop the debate.After close scrutiny Bears line backrs should be rank in this order Butkus, Singletary, Marshall,Chambers,Urlacher. Yes Brian has superior talent and obviously has the talent to be better than the first four but by the time they were senoirs in college teams would not run at them period some games. Marshall could shut down the run, the tight-end, the back going for the past, and rush the quarterback. Also Delaney (K.C.) and Dickerson made attempts up the middle when Singletary laid big hits on them were they avoiding a certain young outside linebacker.

Urlacher. Hands down.

Singletary had Hall of Fame quality linemen in front of him his entire career. If Urlacher had Hampton, Dent, McMichael up front, imagine the damage he'd do.

While both are/were tackling machines, Urlacher is more of a playmaker. Urlacher has 32.5 sacks and 7 interceptions.
Singletary over twelve years? Only 19 sacks and 7 interceptions.

You guys can take Singletary's "eyes" and fierce look. I'll take Urlacher's results.

Before anyone assume I don't like Brian because I didn't play the game let me tell you I have.I'm 5'10 250 and played on my battalion team in 85 for the 293 MP company.That said,I also would not presume to know what his coaches have in mind for him in the scheme of things.All I meant was he should play lights out like that every game.I'll stand by my assessment.Brian is a great player.I'm not hating on him.I never brought up any player missing tackles or getting ran over,because I've seen them both do that.I didn't bring up anyone's outside endeavors or outside indiscretions.
I'm speaking on the sense of leadership.In the qualities I see in the players before me.Critiqueing someone's playing abilities can go either way.I called it as I saw it.I never saw Butkus play but I know so many people who have and I respect their opinion enough to go along with their assessment.I'm not saying negatives just because I don't like Brian.I've already said I love the guy.I'm speaking plainly what I see as the truth.It's not Brian's fault that they pad his tackle total.They do it and it's not fair to anyone that they be compared to anyone who has it done.If you tally tackle totals for Butkus and Mike like you do Brian they would be even greater.In a big family some kids are liked more and the ones least liked resent it.Everyone take sides and it's not always fair.Sometimes comparing players will stoke debate and sometimes it'll provoke bad feelings.Honestly,I can't see how it'll unite us as BEARSfans more than divide us.So Roman,who's next on the list?That said,GO BEARS!!!

BBB,I don't think Willie G understand that you didn't exactly knock HH as a bad player.I assume you meant that it's the coaches decision to put that player out there,not the players.Taking CB was not exactly a mistake,not signing him faster was.If he had a little more seasoning he'd be complete.I think the guy really motivated Jones to play like he did last year.With the injuries and the pounding he took in 2004 taking a back wasn't exactly a bad move.Not getting him in earlier was.But hey,that is my opinion.That said,GO BEARS!!

Urlacher, because of his virsatility. He can do everything a linebacker is supposed to do, and play in the secondary.

Well just about everyone seems to think Lovie is a genius so if Lovie starts HH at LB then he must be good enough to do the job and the best guy on the team to play that position. How can anyone question anything Lovie does? He was coach of the year. That makes him brilliant forever right? Just like Jouron.

Two different era's people, both are great, i love Mike, but in today's game, everyone pretty much's runs 4.3 to 4.5 40's, so give me that speed, i would have to take B-lac.

It all starts with Singletary's passion and determination. And it ends there. Don't look at the 1985 as the best version of Singletary. The 1988 version is the Singletary that Urlacher should be.

HEY!! i just wanted to make a shout out 2 my cousin mike Singletary! im LaVon Maxwells grandaughter! my brother and i have been wanting to meet you! We just pray that one day God blesses us with a chance to be able to!