Defenses will set the pace on Monday night

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The last time the Bears played in San Francisco, the two teams combined to score 16 points in a 10-6 49ers victory. Monday night has all the makings of being the same type of low-scoring battle. Regardless of which quarterbacks start the game, it's going to be a defensive struggle. With Jay Cutler at the helm, the Bears have been unable to put up points so it's unlikely it will happen if Jason Campbell lines up behind center. The Niners have only been scoring 23 points a contest and, as we all know, they haven't played Lance Briggs and company. San Francisco has an outstanding rushing attack averaging an impressive 170 yards per game, tops in the NFL. There is no doubt the Bears will play to stop the run, similar to what they did when they faced Jacksonville earlier this season. The Niners have better weapons, but there is no way the Bears are going to allow Jim Harbaugh's group to control the clock in what will be a low-scoring game. The key for the quarterbacks will be to manage the game and not commit turnovers. Both coaches will be happy to let their defenses decide the outcome. It's also a game where field position will be a big factor. Neither offense can expect 80-yard scoring drives, so playing with a short field will be vital. These are two of the worst ranked passing offenses in the NFL, and if one side has an edge if backups start it has to be the Bears. Jason Campbell has the experience to be more effective in the passing game, and one or two big plays by his arm could be the deciding factor.

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