Four days after giving up 23 second quarter points to the victoryless Detroit Lions, Bears' safety Mike Brown says the Bears' defense is ready to get back on track.

According to the team's web site, Brown expressed his displeasure at Halas Hall on Thursday.

"It’s time for the defense to step up, man," said Brown. "We’re tired of being the weak link. We’re used to being the strong link, and right now we're definitely the weak link on this team."

Although Chicago is leading the NFC north, the defense has been off and on throughout the season.

"We're very mediocre and that’s something that we’re not satisfied with,” Brown said.

Brown, who has battled injuries throughout his career, injured his calf in Sunday's victory over the Lions. After limited practice on Thursday, Brown still hopes to be able to play in this weekend's clash with the undefeated Tennessee Titans.

Rookie Craig Steltz played well as Brown's replacement. The former LSU Tiger finished with X tackles and 1 interception.

The Bears and Titans and will do battle on Sunday in Soldier Field at 1 p.m. eastern time.