Urlacher named NFC defensive player of month

Staff report

Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher was named NFC defensive player on the month on Thursday.

Urlacher led the NFC with 49 tackles in December -- he had 17 in the loss to the Patriots and 11 in the win over the Lions-- and also had 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble as the Bears won the NFC North and secured a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Julius Peppers received the same honor in November. He had four sacks in November, tied for second-most in the NFL. His 29 yards in sack losses led the NFC and tied for fourth in the NFL. Peppers also had 13 tackles, deflected a pass that led to an interception and recorded two additional tackles for losses during the month.

Photo: Brian Urlacher tackles the Patriots' BenJarvus Green-Ellis. (Scott Strazzante / Tribune)

Source: http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2011/01/brian-urlacher-named-nfc-defensive-player-of-the-month.html

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