Turnovers pivotal today
If you want to keep track of one statistic that will help determine the winner of tonight's game between the Bears and 49ers, watch the turnover battle.
The Bears (4-4) have lost three out of their past four games and are desperate for a win at San Francisco. History suggests that is no guarantee – in fact, the Bears have lost their past six games at Candlestick Park, with their last win by the Bay coming in 1985.
But turnovers matter more than historical trivia. The Bears are plus-8 in the turnover battle in their four wins, and they are minus-9 in their four losses.
Take a look.
Week 1: Packers 21, Bears 15
Ratio, -4
0 take-aways, 4 give-aways
Week 2: Bears 17, Steelers 14
Ratio, +2
2 take-aways, 0 give-aways
Week 3: Bears 25, Seahawks 19
Ratio, even
2 take-aways, 2 give-aways
Week 4: Bears 48, Lions 24
Ratio, +2
2 take-aways, 0 give-aways
Week 5: Bye
Week 6: Falcons 21, Bears 14
Ratio, -1
2 take-aways, 3 give-aways
Week 7: Bengals 45, Bears 10
Ratio, -4
0 take-aways, 4 give-aways
Week 8: Bears 30, Browns 6
Ratio, +4
5 take-aways, 1 give-away
Week 9: Cardinals 41, Bears 21
Ratio, even
1 take-away, 1 give-away
TOTAL:
Ratio, -1
14 take-aways, 15 give-aways
-Tom Musick
