"Julius Peppers is a deserving candidate for NFL defensive player of the year. But you can make a strong case that Brian Urlacher has been at least as valuable to the Bears.

According to coaches' statistics, Urlacher accounted for 14 percent of the team's tackles this season, compared with 5 percent for Peppers. Of course, Urlacher is supposed to make more tackles because of his position.

Peppers is supposed to make more impact plays, and he has. But Urlacher has made a lot as well.

When you combine sacks with tackles for a loss, Urlacher has made 15 plays in the opponent's backfield (four sacks, 11 tackles for a loss), compared with 14 for Peppers (eight sacks, six tackles for a loss).

Peppers has had a hand in five takeaways (two interceptions, three forced fumbles); Urlacher has had a hand in six (one interception, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries).

Peppers has had a greater impact on the pass defense. In addition to his sacks, he has 19 quarterback knockdowns and 15 quarterback hits, compared with 5 1/2 knockdowns and five hits for Urlacher, according to STATS. And there is no way to measure the number of times he has altered a pass play, either by compromising the blocking scheme or by forcing the quarterback into doing something detrimental.

But Urlacher has helped the pass defense too. He has 13 passes defended, compared with seven for Peppers.

What Urlacher has done best is help create pass-rushing opportunities for Peppers. Without Urlacher in the lineup for all but one game last season, the Bears ranked No. 23 in run defense. With him in the lineup this season, they ranked No. 2."