Williams' talk amuses Urlacher
Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher says he's amused -- somewhat -- by talkative Lions wide receiver Roy Williams, who last year guaranteed a victory over the Bears at Soldier Field and on Wednesday scoffed at the notion of non-starters in the Chicago secondary covering Detroit's talented foursome of wideouts.
"He says something every year," Urlacher. "I think it's funny because he says something every year and every year we beat them. They're supposed to win 10 games this year. (He said) they were this close to scoring 40 points last year -- they had 7.
"I don't mind guys talking, but the stuff he says is not even close to what reality is. I like talking as much as anybody else, but if you're going to say something, say something at least close to the truth. I don't have anything against Roy Williams. I think he's a great player, but man, he says some things that are off the wall."
The Bears have won four straight from the Lions, outscoring them 72-13 at Soldier Field the past two season but 45-34 at Ford Field. Last season, Williams caught 12 passes for 150 yards and 1 TD in two games vs. the Bears. He's currently third in the NFL with 335 receiving yards and tied for eighth with 20 catches.
Help wanted: Tight end Desmond Clark doesn't anticipate a change in the Bears' offensive philosophy with Brian Griese at quarterback, but he hopes the new starting quarterback gets more support than his predecessor.
"I think we're just going to have Brian come in and run the same offense that we've been running," Clark said. "But hopefully Brian gets better support from the other 10 than we gave Rex because a lot of the criticism is going to go to Rex, but the rest of the offense didn't play as well either. So we've got to step up and help Brian out."
The Bears' offense hasn't produced more than 239 total yards in any game this season. The league average is 330.
Hurtin' for certain:ŒThe injury epidemic isn't limited to the defense, although four starters from that unit -- tackle Tommie Harris (knee), linebacker Lance Briggs (hamstring) and cornerbacks Charles Tillman (ankle) and Nate Vasher (groin) -- are expected to sit out Sunday.
The offense has its own concerns after left guard Ruben Brown (ankle) and right tackle Fred Miller (knee) missed practice Thursday for a second straight day, and backup running back Adrian Peterson was only a limited participant. All three are expected to play but won't be 100 percent.
Safety Adam Archuleta practiced on a limited basis for the second day in a row with a small plastic cast protecting the fracture in his right hand.
He was asked if he could wrap up a ball carrier with the cast on.
"Good question," he said. "If you have any advice, let me know."
Opportunity knocks: The Bears led the NFL with 44 takeaways last season, but they've got just 5 this season.
"I'm not surprised," defensive end Adewale Ogunleye said. "They go in spurts, so I know eventually it's going to start turning our way. We've got to just keep plugging away and keep applying the pressure, and it will come."
The Lions have turned the ball over 10 times this season, tied for second worst in the NFL with the Saints behind the Bears' 11.