Wiliams due for more playing time after racking up 20 tackles vs. Rams

Based on the coaches' review of game tape, Jamar Williams was credited with 20 tackles against the Rams on Sunday, including 12 solos. Both are season highs for the Bears this year.

Williams was filling in for Lance Briggs (sprained knee), who had the previous highs this season with 17 total tackles against the 49ers and 11 solos against the Bengals.

"Jamar Williams really stepped up and played well," coach Lovie Smith said. "You expect some of your backups who have been here for a while to play that way when they get an opportunity. He really made plays in the running game, passing game and (all-around)."

Williams also had 2 pass breakups and earned more playing time in the final four games of the season, even after Briggs returns, which is expected to be this week against the Packers at Soldier Field.

"We go on production," Smith said. "By his play (Sunday), it said, 'I need more reps.' We listen and we watch everything that happens, and we liked everything that we saw (Sunday) from him."

So did Williams' teammates.

"Jamar was all over the place," defensive end Alex Brown said. "He deserves a lot of credit for coming out and replacing a guy like Lance Briggs, who is probably the best player at his position in the NFL. It says a lot about the guys we have as far as backups. Jamar can definitely step up and be a playmaker for us. Hopefully we see a lot more of him."

Then, Brown quickly added: "We still want Briggs."

Jay is OK: Quarterback Jay Cutler said after Sunday's game that he "dinged" his hand when he was hit by Rams defensive end Leonard Little in the second quarter.

Cutler threw just 7 passes in the second half, but coach Lovie Smith said the hand wasn't the reason.

"Going through any game, a quarterback will get dinged from time to time, will take some hits," Smith said. "But we had a lead, our defense was playing good football, and you try to win the surest way. It was no more than that. Jay should be good to go and effective."

Successful switch: The offensive line switch of Chris Williams from right tackle to left tackle in place of injured Orlando Pace (groin), with Kevin Shaffer filling in at right tackle, worked well.

"I was pleased with how they both played," coach Lovie Smith said. "(For) Chris, that's tough moving, but he looked like a natural there. He played well. He was involved in one sack to that side, but it wasn't all his fault. Kevin hasn't played a lot. To come in and play against a good player like Leonard Little like he did was also big for him."

Little had the Rams' other sack.

Sitting it out: Defensive end Gaines Adams, who cost the Bears a 2010 second-round draft choice, was inactive Sunday after having a total of no solo tackles and 2 assists in his first six games.

"I'm not disappointed in Gaines at all," coach Lovie Smith said. "As far as him not playing, we were playing a running football team. I just felt like Jarron Gilbert gave us a little bit more as far as stopping the run. Just look at the guys we're playing right now.

"There's good football players in front of him. He's a part of the mix. We have a lot of players that we feel comfortable playing. But Gaines will have his day. He's a good football player, and we're pleased with the progress he's making. Each week is different."