Quick Take: Niners-Bears

In Brief

» Last meeting: The Bears took a 41-0 lead into halftime and coasted to a 41-10 victory in Week 8 of the 2006 season.
» Streaks: Chicago has won four of the past five meetings, but trails the overall series, 30-29-1, including the playoffs.
» Last week: Kurt Warner victimized the Bears with five touchdown passes to lead Arizona to a 41-21 victory. ... The 49ers were undone by four Alex Smith turnovers in a 34-27 loss to the Titans.

Keep your eye on ...Lovie Smith's defensive adjustments: The Bears' defense has not played up to its lofty standards this season. The unit has been decimated by injuries, and the absence of longtime leader Brian Urlacher appears to have had a significant impact. It is up to Smith, who in addition to being the head coach also runs the defense, to fix the problems.

Chicago's alternate sources of scoring: Since 2004, the Bears have scored at least six special teams or defensive touchdowns every season. That enormous scoring production from outside the offense has helped Chicago overcome its occasional spotty play in recent years. This season, however, the Bears have only two non-offensive scores. They could use a spark from the special teams or defense against the 49ers.

Alex Smith's ball security: While Smith has impressive athletic ability and a strong arm, he has shown a proclivity for making mistakes throughout his career. He is coming off a game in which he threw three interceptions and lost a fumble. He must take care of the ball better to give the Niners a chance.

Did you know?

The last time these teams met in San Francisco, the 49ers drubbed the Bears, 49-7, in 2003. ... San Francisco has won all three postseason meetings. ... Jay Cutler has faced the Niners just once in his career and he threw for 230 yards, one touchdown and one interception as a member of the Broncos in the 2006 season finale.