Bears' defense won't change its style

Even though the NFL is cracking down on dangerous hits with fines and possible suspensions, the Bears' defense can't have another lapse in aggressiveness as they did last week.

Players admitted afterward that they came out flat in the 23-20 loss to the Seahawks.

“We've talked about that,” defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said. “How we play, we've got one style, and it's full speed. It's got to be that way. That's who we are and that's what we believe in. That's what our system demands. We have to be consistent week in and week out. It's something we have to get better at.”

Bears defenders have complained all week about what they believe is the league's biased legislation toward the offensive side of the ball. Linebacker Brian Urlacher said the league doesn't value defense as much as offense.

“You can't touch receivers after five yards. You can't hit the quarterbacks,” Urlacher said. “Fans want to see points scored I guess. That's what the NFL thinks.

“But they're selling videos and pictures of big hits on their website. James Harrison's hit, they sold that on their website and made a lot of money on it, so I don't understand it. They're going to fine the guy and then make money off his picture? I think they should give some of that money back to him for the money ($75,000) he got fined.”

The absence of Lance Briggs last week may be partly responsible for the Bears' lackluster play, but the five-time Pro Bowl player expects to play Sunday.

“Playing in this defense, on this team, it's very important to be high energy, physical and violent,” Briggs said. “It's all a part of our makeup.”

Part of the game:

Lance Briggs doesn't understand or agree with the NFL's crackdown on dangerous hits, which, starting this weekend, may result in suspensions, even for first-time offenders.

“We're a bunch of grown men running at each other full speed. What do you expect?” Briggs said. “Plays aren't made in the NFL from being nice. Plays are made in the NFL from being violent. That's the way the game has been played; that's the way it's always going to be played, (and the way) it needs to be played. To take that element out of the game, to me, it's not football.

“It's a violent game. I think that's a part of the draw. People love football. It's the physical nature of football. We all understand that people can get hurt. We all understand the seriousness of the game. We knew that when we signed on.”

Don't ask:

Asked about the success this week in improving an offensive line that was largely responsible for 6 sacks of Jay Cutler last week and didn't do much to open holes for the running game, coach Lovie Smith took offense.

“We feel like our team got better,” he said. “We feel like our 4-2 football team got a whole lot better this week in all areas, offensive line included.”

Injury update:

Linebacker Lance Briggs (ankle) and safety Major Wright (hamstring) were both listed as questionable after being limited in Friday's practice. Wright is not expected to play, but Briggs is hoping to start.

Guard Roberto Garza (knee) and cornerback Zack Bowman (foot) are doubtful, didn't practice and won't play. Linebacker Brian Urlacher (groin), and safeties Danieal Manning (ribs) and Chris Harris (knee) were not limited at practice, are listed as probable for Sunday and are expected to start.