Urlacher, Griese worry Lions

Jon Kitna could only laugh at the question.

Has Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher lost a step, as some people have implied?

"Ha," the Detroit Lions quarterback scoffed. " 'Some people' must be some people that don't play against him and must be people that are writing the stories and not playing the game, because I don't see that he's lost a step at all."

That vaunted Bears defense, which hasn't been so vaunted much of this season, still looks awfully dangerous to Kitna. One of the main reasons is No. 54's presence in the Tampa 2 alignment.

"When you have, to me, one of the top three or four linebackers in the last 15-20 years playing in that scheme, that's what makes their Tampa 2 different from anyone else's," Kitna said. "Brian is so good at reading and reacting off of what you do … that's what makes them different."

Familiar face: It didn't take a spectacular last-minute drive last week against Philadelphia to alert Lions coach Rod Marinelli to the dangers of going up against Bears quarterback Brian Griese.

"I know Griese from being down in Tampa with him. Believe me, he's got our full attention," Marinelli said. "That drive he did last week was exceptional -- and that's who he is. He is competitive and smart.

"We've got our hands full."

Lethal weapon: As if the Lions' offense wasn't potent enough the last time these two teams met, it should be stronger Sunday with the addition of rookie receiver Calvin Johnson, who was inactive in the last go-round with the Bears.

The second overall pick in the draft has played in five games. He has 13 catches for 229 yards, leading the receiving corps with a 17.6 average per grab. He also has a pair of touchdown receptions.

"He's a phenomenal talent, someone who makes plays happen when he's got the ball in his hands," quarterback Jon Kitna said. "He's progressing, he's humble, he's a learner, takes care of himself … he's everything you want, man.

"It's a dream to have that kind of guy playing receiver for you."

Lethal weapon II: In addition to the return of Calvin Johnson, the Lions also will have running back Kevin Jones back in the mix.

Jones started his first game for the Lions on Sunday against Tampa Bay since suffering a serious foot injury. He finished with 110 yards from scrimmage, including 76 rushing.

In limited action against the Bears, Jones rushed for 38 yards on 10 carries and scored the eventual game-winning touchdown on a 5-yard run.

"It's great to have him back," coach Rod Marinelli said. "He's a good back. He's a tough guy, highly motivated. We've got some good weapons."

He said it: Rod Marinelli on the prospect of having to kick to Bears return man extraordinaire Devin Hester: "We've gone out and worked real hard on trying to kick the ball into Lake Michigan and make sure it sinks to the bottom."