Urlacher: Bears Defense Would 'Fake' Injuries
UPDATED: 9/4/2013 4:09 p.m.
(CBS) Former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, now an analyst for Fox Sports 1, is sharing some secrets of his former team's defense.
Speaking with Fox Football Daily on Tuesday, Urlacher said the Bears used to "fake" injuries to slow down fast-paced offenses that used the no-huddle.
"We used to have a thing, the coach would go like this," said Urlacher, simulating a diving motion.
"We had guy who was a 'designated dive guy,' so when the coach would go like that, he'd get 'hurt.' ... He'd be the guy who would fake an injury."
Urlacher explained that was simply "part of our game plan" during long drives when the defense would get tired and need a rest.
Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone said the practice wouldn't surprise him.
"All's fair in love and war," he told CBS 2 Derrick Blakley.
However, it angered his partner on The Score, former lineman Ed O'Bradovich.
"When I played, everyone went full out. There was no faking, no doing anything."
The accusations even touch the college game.
This past weekend, when Northwestern players went down on three straight plays, Cal coach Sonny Dykes wasn't happy.
At Bears camp today, cornerback Tim Jennings rejected Urlacher's charges.
When asked if players take dives on defense, he said, "No, not that I know of."
Another cornerback, Major Wright said sometimes you do what you must.
"At times, you know that the offense is definitely fast-paced and everything and something has to happen," he said. "You can't come off the field so you know, something has to happen."
