After seeing the pile of trash the Chicago Bears defense has become the past two seasons, finishing 30th overall both times, it’s easy to understand why fans sorely miss the presence of linebacker Brian Urlacher. Having the eight-time Pro Bowler in the middle meant things were going to be okay, that even if the team lost it would usually be a close game.

Is it any coincidence that the moment he retired that things crumbled like a mansion into a sink hole?

The team got a taste of what his mere presence and aura still means when he paid a visit to Bourbonnais for the first time since 2012, attending training camp practice as a spectator and advisor to current players.

Former #Bears Brian Urlacher and Olin Kreutz back in Bourbonnais watching practice pic.twitter.com/2GuJEph323 — Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) August 5, 2015

Urlacher and Martellus Bennett chatting during # Bears training camp: pic.twitter.com/HvwD5tu3DQ — Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) August 5, 2015

Former #Bears Pro Bowl players Brian Urlacher, Olin Kreutz and @JBigCatWilliams at practice today. — Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) August 5, 2015

This was something new head coach John Fox and GM Ryan Pace wanted to do since taking over. That was get the team to embrace players who were semi run off by the previous regimes and reignite the power of tradition for the cornerstone NFL franchise. Urlacher was the biggest name to arrive, and the defense seemed to take notice because they proceed to absolutely dominate the practice.

If the #Bears defense could hit Jay Cutler, today’s practice would be like that Giants game. — Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) August 5, 2015

.@Ky1eLong: “Jeremiah Ratliff is the final boss you gotta face in the video game. You play it all summer and then you gotta beat Ratliff." — Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) August 5, 2015

Nice play by Shea McClellin covering Matt a Forte on a wheel route. Broke up the pass. #Bears — Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) August 5, 2015

#Bears LB Willie Young (torn Achilles Dec. 21) getting more action today than he has all camp. — Bob LeGere (@BobLeGere) August 5, 2015

#Bears QB Jay Cutler said what we all saw today at practice: the defense got after and owned the offense. — Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) August 5, 2015

It’s a welcome turn of events considering for a long stretch of the first part of training camp was a constant show of supremacy by the offense with Jay Cutler not throwing an interception and the running game looking good early and often. Most feel the ceiling of the 2015 Chicago Bears will be determined by the defense. So it was a welcome sight to see them not only play well but show flashes of top level play. Perhaps it’s a sign that highly touted coordinator Vic Fangio is beginning to have an effect.

Even so, one can’t ignore how quickly things turned the moment Urlacher arrived. While he may not be on the field directing things like he did for so many great seasons, it’s proof that he still carries a certain aura that bleeds into those who know him by reputation. Sort of like dancers and musicians who brought their best when they knew Michael Jackson was watching.

Maybe the Bears could pay Brian just to attend all their games.