The Bears' safety fully understood what happened when the Bears and Packers squared off last month.

Not only did the Packers crush the Bears 37-3, but they had the audacity to rush for 200 yards against a Bears defense that entered the game as one of the stingiest against the run. Ryan Grant was the main culprit, picking up 145.

"Well, Grant is a good running back," Brown said. "They have a good offense. They have a great scheme, good players. And if you look at where they rank offensively now, they're in the top 10 in most offensive categories."

In other words, the Packers' 5-9 record and four-game losing streak doesn't make them any less dangerous. It just means the Bears might have to work a little bit harder to shut them down -- particularly the run.

"It's important every week to stop the run, but this is Green Bay," nose tackle Anthony Adams said. "You have to check your pulse if you're not up for this game. Playoffs or not, this is Green Bay."

Bears coach Lovie Smith admitted the Packers' ability to run the ball kept his Bears off-balance in the first meeting. The Bears geared up to stop the pass, with Aaron Rogers one of the most capable young guns in the league. But when Grant broke off a 35-yard run on a first-quarter draw play, the run defense imploded.

That's where Brown comes in. He has been particularly stout against the run this season, particularly when the Bears have opted to run-blitz. Brown did so effectively against the Titans, helping to hold one of the league's top rushing attacks to 20 yards.

That type of aggressiveness helped the Bears limit seven opponents to less than 100 yards rushing. But they also have given up 100-plus the last three games. The 200 yielded to the Packers was a season high for a Bears opponent.

Extra points: Running back Matt Forte sat out his second consecutive practice while nursing his sore right big toe. Smith said he expects Forte to practice Friday. Fullback Jason McKie (quad) sat out practice as well, while receiver Marty Booker (ribs) returned but was limited. ... Linebacker Jamar Williams was fined $5,000 for a facemask penalty in last week's victory over New Orleans. Williams intends to appeal the fine.

vxmcclure@tribune.com