Vikings' quarterbacks bring contrasting styles to the huddle
The Minnesota Vikings hope to have athletic second-year quarterback Tarvaris Jackson back on the field Sunday, even though he has 1 TD pass and 5 interceptions this season. Jackson was limited in practice Thursday because of a groin injury that has kept him out the last two games.
Eleven-year veteran Kelly Holcomb started the past two games and has been more effective throwing the ball with a 70.9 passer rating, but he lacks Jackson's escapeability, as evidenced by his 9 sacks. Jackson, who has a passer rating of 40.4, has been sacked just once.
It doesn't matter to Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher who plays quarterback for the Vikings.
"I don't really care," Urlacher said. "I play the same no matter what. Holcomb's been around for a while. He's more safe with the football. Jackson runs around a little bit more. He has a good arm -- a better arm than people give him credit for."
The difference is simple, according to defensive tackle Tommie Harris.
"One's white (Holcomb), and one's black (Jackson)," Harris said. "One (Jackson) is like a speedster, a guy you have to contain more. One (Holcomb) sits in there and throws the ball. We have to be able to be ready for both of them."
Tough running: Led by 6-foot-3, 317-pound, run-stuffing nose tackle Pat Williams and his 6-foot-5, 311-pound defensive tackle sidekick Kevin Williams (no relation), the Vikings have the NFL's No. 1 run defense.
"They have been historically a good defense, especially against the run," Bears quarterback Brian Griese said. "Their front seven are very good. They're very stout up front with arguably the two best defensive tackles in the league. So it's a great challenge for us."
Some teams, like the Packers, barely attempted to run against the Vikings before taking to the air. The Bears don't plan to go that route.
"If you're a running football team," coach Lovie Smith said, "you run the ball, period, unless the game dictates otherwise."
Injury update: Linebackers Lance Briggs (hamstring) and Brendon Ayanbadejo (foot) were added Thursday to the list of players not practicing, joining defensive tackles Darwin Walker (knee) and Tommie Harris (knee), offensive tackle John Tait (ankle), wide receiver Bernard Berrian (toe) and cornerback Nate Vasher (groin).
"As far as guys being ready for the game this week," coach Lovie Smith said, "I assume most of them will be able to go."
That group includes Briggs, Harris, Berrian and Ayanbadejo. Guard Ruben Brown (shoulder) and cornerback Charles Tillman (ankle) participated fully in Thursday's third-down practice.
Still healing: Tommie Harris picked up his fourth sack of the season last week, tied for second in the league among tackles, but he says he's still not back to 100 percent since suffering a sprained knee in Week 3.
"On game day, I just have to play through it, because I want it bad," Harris said. "I don't want to sit out anymore. I've experienced that. I just have to go."
Harris suffered a torn hamstring last season in the 12th game and missed the remainder of the season.