Chicago Bears Notes, Quotes

--Based on coaches' review of game tape, Jamar Williams was credited with 20 tackles against the Rams, 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 for the Bears 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 two 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."

--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 two 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 are 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."

--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 seven passes in the second half, but coach Lovie Smith said his 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."

BY THE NUMBERS: 24 -- Where the Bears' offense ranks in total yards. The Packers' defense is No. 1 in total yards allowed.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I don't remember the last time, if ever, that I've seen someone have the year that he's having. He's unbelievable. He's all over the field. He's playing corner, he's playing the nickel, he's playing strong safety. He's coming up on tight ends, going head to head on tight ends. He's making tackles, he's causing fumbles, he's intercepting balls. He is all over the place, and it's unbelievable to watch." -- Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner on Packers CB Charles Woodson.