Can Merriman dance the dance, talk the talk?

Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman has taken exception to the criticism he received earlier in the week from Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher regarding the dance celebration by the AFC's sack leader, who had 17 last season.

"Say what you want, but you have bigger problems than my 'Lights Out' dance Sunday," Merriman said in response to Urlacher. "I wouldn't be too concentrated on my dance or what I do."

Of the "sack dance," Urlacher said: "You'll never see me doing any stupid (stuff) like that after a play. The only thing I'll do is get a little happy with my teammates."

Asked if he knows Urlacher, Merriman said, "No. I really don't care to know him, actually. I've got plenty of things to say about him, but it's not important. I'll see him Sunday."

Merriman then stood up, grabbed his shoulder pads and began shaking them, causing them to make a smacking noise. He said the pads will be speaking a lot for him Sunday. He was asked if Urlacher would be able to hear the smacking.

"Oh, he'll hear it," Merriman said. "Ever hear of the Fourth of July when you're outside? You don't have to see the fireworks but you can hear them. That's all the talking I need to do right there."