Standoffish Urlacher remains tight-lipped

Tight-lipped Brian Urlacher opened up to the media during his weekly news conference Thursday -- just a bit.

The last time the Bears faced the Detroit Lions, on Sept. 30, the defense played exceptionally well for most of the first three quarters, allowing just 3 points.

But the Lions exploded for 34 fourth-quarter points, including an interception return and an onside kickoff return for touchdowns.

Urlacher said the defense learned something about how to attack the Lions.

"Get pressure on the quarterback, No. 1, I think," he said.

After that, it was, for the most part, back to the curt replies.

Asked if he still had a bad taste in his mouth from the fourth quarter at Ford Field, Urlacher said: "Yes."

Asked if he and his teammates had discussed what happened in those fateful 15 minutes, Urlacher said: "Yes."

What happened in that fourth quarter?

"They made plays," Urlacher said.

Urlacher was asked what it would mean to reach .500 with a victory.

"I think it will be good for us," he said, "especially going into a bye week to be basically back to where we started the season at."

OK, now the question we've all been wondering: "Is something bothering you the last few weeks?"

"No," Urlacher said.

Then why the short answers?

"No reason," he said. "No reason."

Upset about something?

"No."

Urlacher did say the Bears have learned some lessons during the ups and downs of an inconsistent and disappointing season.

"We've got to persevere through the tough times," he said. "We haven't played good, obviously, most of the season. (We) have played good at times. (We) just have to keep trying to play better every week."

There were no more questions.

"Good talking to you," he said.

Likewise.

Water world: Bears special-teams coordinator Dave Toub heard about Lions coach Rod Marinelli joking that he'd rather kick the ball into Lake Michigan than give Devin Hester a chance to return it, so he has come up with a counter plan.

"We're gonna run our 'Speed Boat, Left Return,' " Toub said. "That's our plan."

In the first meeting, Hester had 314 return yards, including a 97-yard kickoff return for a TD, but he won't have as many opportunities this time.

"I'm sure they're going to batten down the hatches in this game," Toub said, "and it's going to be a lot tougher."

Injury update: Defensive tackle Darwin Walker (knee) and offensive tackle Fred Miller (ankle) both practiced on a limited basis, but defensive end Alex Brown (back), safety Brandon McGowan (elbow) and cornerback Nate Vasher (groin) were held out.

"Except for Nate and possibly Brandon, we feel like we'll have most of the guys available at the end of the week," coach Lovie Smith said.

Guard Ruben Brown (shoulder), defensive tackle Tommie Harris (hamstring) and linebacker Jamar Williams (illness) returned to full participation.