Williams has prepared for his shot as a starter

The Bears' leading tackler against the Cowboys with 12 hits -- including a team-best 7 solos was --believe it or not, Jamar Williams.

He put up those totals despite not starting and playing just over half the game.

That's encouraging for the Bears, especially if, as expected, the second-year backup has to step into a starting role today in place of two-time Pro Bowl pick Lance Briggs, who didn't practice all week because of a strained hamstring.

Williams' goal is for the defense to play at the same level with him at weak-side linebacker as it does with Briggs in the lineup. Last week was up and down.

"It was a little bit of everything," he said. "At times I was excited, but at other times I was a little disappointed because I made a couple mistakes out there."

Although his tackle totals were impressive last week, there are specific areas where Williams will be looking for improvement against the Lions.

"The first series I was in there, I was thinking a little bit (too much) about what I had to do," he said. "My head was spinning a little bit because it was my first time. As the series went on, I was able to relax and play better. It's (about) not having to think too much and just trusting that you know it, so you can just go out there and play."

Because Briggs stayed away from all off-season activities in protest over being named the Bears' franchise player, which kept him off the free-agent market, Williams got the benefit of playing on the first team defense in minicamp and throughout the OTA practices in the spring.

When Briggs returned shortly after the start of training camp, Williams became the Bears' utility linebacker, playing at various times with the first team at each of the three linebacker spots.

The fourth-round pick out of Arizona State said he anticipated being a prime time player in some capacity even before he was groomed for a bigger role during the off-season.

"I've been ready," he said. "Even before the OTA's I've always expected to play, regardless of whether it was special teams or defense."

Williams is also one of the Bears' leading special-teams tacklers and a key member of the return teams who helps spring Devin Hester. Whatever his role today, Williams expects to be better than he was last week.

"I'm going to be a lot better prepared because I was able to get out there last week and gain the experience," he said. "I know I'll be better. So far, that's how it's worked in my career. On special teams, each time I've gotten a chance, I've gotten a little better."