Lance Louis knows he must step up when Bears meet Giants

Guard Lance Louis (right) was ill and missed practice time Wednesday. Louis had a rocky preseason opener. | Tamara Bell~Sun Times Media

Updated: November 16, 2011 1:25AM

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — After a disappointing performance in the preseason opener, Bears starting right guard Lance Louis couldn’t afford any setbacks in preparation for Monday’s game against the New York Giants.

But after falling ill and missing most of practice Wednesday, Louis said he’s trying to rebound and have a strong game.

“It was definitely hard and frustrating, just watching the guys and not working,’’ he said. ‘‘But I’m going to work as hard as I can to make up for that. I’m just looking forward to competing against [the Giants]. They have a great defensive line.’’

Bears quarterbacks were sacked 10 times in a 17-3 loss to the Giants at the New Meadowlands last Oct. 3, with Jay Cutler going down a record nine times in the first half before leaving the game.

On Saturday against the Buffalo Bills, Bears quarterbacks were sacked nine times, and Louis had a rough game facing rookie defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, the third overall pick of the draft.

In his mind, Louis can’t afford another bad game. Still, he said he isn’t putting much pressure on himself.

‘‘They’re all big games,’’ he said. ‘‘I mean, especially for me. My first game out wasn’t a big one, so I’m looking forward to stepping my game all the way up.’’

Offense rebounds

With defensive starters Lance Briggs (sore knee), Brian Urlacher (general soreness) and Anthony Adams (calf) sidelined, the Bears’ offense took advantage and had a strong evening practice.

Backup quarterback Caleb Hanie particularly stood out, connecting on several long touchdown passes, including one to rookie Kris Adams and another to Johnny Knox.

‘‘The last two days have been great,’’ Hanie said. ‘‘[I] settled down a little bit.’’

Bears coach Lovie Smith said Briggs will not practice Friday or play Monday against the Giants.

Bears running back Chester Tay lor (sore knee), cornerback Zack Bowman (concussion), receiver Devin Hester and tight end Desmond Clark also didn’t practice.

Notes

Running back Harvey Unga was excused and left the team to deal with a personal matter. Unga earlier had missed a week of training camp when his wife delivered their second child in Utah, where he lives in the offseason.

† Cornerback D.J. Moore leads all Bears with six interceptions in camp. Safety Craig Steltz is second with five.

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