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Like so many Urlacher admirers, Tony Dungy is struggling for words to explain the Big Bear. Typical coach-speak wont do when youre describing a guy who, at 23, seems to have mastered one of the most difficult positions in the game. Hes got something thats hard to put your finger on, says the Bucs coach. But you know it when you see it.

For confirmation, peep the video from the Bears 31-3 victory over the Falcons back in October. In the second quarter, Urlacher, in a three-deep zone coverage, dropped to the middle of the field. Well, he didnt just drop -- taking away the hook route like they drew it up -- he dropped with purpose, sprinting 15 yards to his spot. He located all three Atlanta receivers, then whipped his body around to catch QB Chris Chandlers eyes. Chandler clearly wanted WR Shawn Jefferson on a deep cross. So on the QBs release, Urlacher exploded left and made the pick, looking more like Charles Woodson than Ray Lewis.

Bears RB Leon Johnson is privy to this on the regular. Hell have some interceptions in practice, Johnson says, and Ill be like, Thats a middle linebacker catching the ball. Hes got hands like a DB. Moves like one, too. On the pick against Atlanta, Urlacher opened his hips, and caught the ball, midstride. Just makes you say, Wow, says Johnson.

The pick against the Falcons wasnt even Urlachers best play of the day. He pulled off two in the fourth quarter that were even more highlight-ready. First, Urlacher blitzed -- radical for an MLB because most have neither the speed nor the swerve to rush the passer -- and sacked Michael Vick. Two minutes later, he snatched up a Vick fumble and took it to the house, 90 yards away. Hes so fast, he can be in on every play, says Johnson. And hes so athletic. In fact, Dungy says Urlacher is the next great backer because he gives coaches so many options -- as a blitzer, as a run-stuffer or as a cover guy. He could play a lot of positions and play them well, says Dungy. We wanted to draft him and play him at free safety. I thought hed be a Pro Bowler there.

And then Dungy finally finds the words to define whats so hard to define about Urlacher: As the kids say today, he can ball.

This article appears in the December 24 issue of ESPN The Magazine.