Bears safety: 'We're the best team in the NFL'

The Bears certainly aren't suffering from low self-esteem.

Their 5-3 record is good enough for first place in the NFC North, but it pales in comparison to this week's opponent, the 8-0 Titans, who are the consensus best team in the NFL. But that's not how the Bears see it.

"I think we're the best team in the NFL," safety Kevin Payne said, "but you can't take anything away from what they've done. They're undefeated until somebody knocks them off."

The Packers almost did it last week, and the Bears get a chance Sunday.

"It's a big statement game," linebacker Lance Briggs said, "and it's an opportunity for us to defeat, so far, the best team in the league."

But Briggs hedged when asked if he thought the Titans were the best.

"Well, I say that because that's what the media says," Briggs said. "People see them as the best team in the league. I think that we're the best team in the league, and that's without a doubt."

So, how to explain the disparity in the records of the Bears and Titans?

"There have been crucial times in games when we haven't stepped up to the plate," said Payne, who leads the Bears with 66 tackles and 3 interceptions. "Some games we didn't come out with as much energy as we should. You make mistakes, and sometimes teams take advantage of that and I think that's happening to us."

Coach Lovie Smith is fine with his team's bravado.

"Would you expect them to say that someone is better than them?" Smith said. "We don't teach them to do that. We understand that the Titans are undefeated, but that's why you play the game. I should hope all of our players think we're a better football team. But they're undefeated, and to be undefeated it takes an awful lot."

Injury update: Kyle Orton did not practice again Thursday, further lessening the chance that he'll play Sunday on a sprained ankle.

"Kyle is getting better," coach Lovie Smith said. "I can't tell you any more than that. Every day you miss can't help, but that's how it goes sometimes. He's gotten a lot of reps before, though, so some guys can do it. If anyone could do it, it's probably Kyle."

Safety Mike Brown (calf) returned but was limited, as was linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer (thumb).

Wide receiver Brandon Lloyd (knee) and safety Danieal Manning (hamstring) were full participants for the second straight day, and defensive tackle Tommie Harris, wide receiver Marty Booker and cornerback Charles Tillman were back at full strength after a day of rest. Brown said he would like to play Sunday but isn't sure if he'll get the chance.

"I feel like I'm going to be able to play, but sometimes it's not the player's decision," Brown said. "Some people higher on the totem pole have the final say, but hopefully things go well and whoever makes those decisions sees that I'm moving well and could do the things necessary to play."