Bears set for starters

Most teams would be devastated by the loss of injured players the likes of Mike Brown and Dusty Dvoracek because they'd have to replace them with backup-caliber players.

Fortunately for the Bears, they're able to replace starters with starters.

"We're going to do the same things we always do," linebacker Brian Urlacher said, "just with different players in there doing it."

Darwin Walker, who replaces Dvoracek, started 65 games over the previous five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, and he was as close to being a starter at San Diego in Week 1 as he could be without being introduced in pregame ceremonies. His role and the number of snaps he plays won't change much.

"The way I looked at it was that we had three starters really," Walker said. "We rolled guys in and out. I played a lot (last) week, just like I expected. It's pretty much the same (this week) for the most part. We were rolling me and Tommie (Harris) and Dusty every series, and I'm sure we'll have a good rotation this week."

Walker will get most of his snaps at Dvoracek's nose tackle spot and some in Harris' spot at the 3 technique. He has played both spots extensively in the past. Anthony Adams, who was inactive last week, moves into the rotation and also can play both positions.

"Darwin does give us a little versatility as far as being able to play the nose," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "It takes a special guy to do that and also play the 3. He'll have to do both now, and he's capable of doing it well."

Brown's replacement, Danieal Manning, started 17 games last season as a rookie, including all three playoff games. He's more prepared now than he was last season to step into a crucial role.

"I've seen a lot," Manning said. "I've been all the way to the Super Bowl. I'm ready to get out there and start something up."

Last year Manning was fourth on the team with 80 tackles, and he forced 5 fumbles, the most by a Bears player in eight years. He also intercepted 2 passes.

"Danieal stepped in and did a good job," Urlacher said. "That's what we're expecting this year also. And now is (Walker's) chance to start for us. That's just the way it is. Guys fill in in the NFL, and they'll do a good job for us."

Without Brown, the Bears also will be looking to fill a huge leadership role, but they've had to do that for more than half their games over the past three seasons as Brown battled injuries every year.

"He's our vocal leader," Urlacher said. "He's the guy that's always yapping. We're going to miss that, but somebody else will start doing it now. Somebody else will get comfortable with that and hopefully open up a little bit."

Urlacher isn't considered nearly as talkative as the outspoken Brown, but he can do more than lead by example.

"Brian's a vocal guy," defensive coordinator Bob Babich said. "He leads by example, but when something needs to be said, it's said. On each unit there will be guys that'll step up."

Both replacements sound as if they're prepared to take on added playing time and responsibilities along with the added scrutiny that comes with it.

"As long as you go out and make plays and make your presence known, you're in the spotlight," Walker said. "That's the bottom line. Every time I touch the field, my goal is to make an impact."

Manning will have the advantage of being mentored by Brown, whose presence will be felt even if he's not suiting up on Sundays. He's already given his replacement some advice.

"He said, 'You're here for a reason,' " Manning said. "Just sit back and let it go."