Bears vs. 49ers: Snap counts, stats, and more

All statistics and snap counts are taken directly from the NFL’s Game Statistic and Information System.

In a game where the Chicago Bears struggled, they still found a way to pull out a 14-9 win on the road against the San Francisco 49ers. Sure, the Niners haven’t been very good this year, but a road win is still a big deal in the NFL. The Bears made plays when they had to on offense and on defense, and they now sit at 11-4 with a chance at the two seed in the NFC. San Fran has been playing decent football of late with two straight wins, so Chicago knew they’d be in for a fight.

The Bears had the edge in total yards (325 to 279), first downs (20 to 15), time of possession (35:30 to 24:30), and player ejections (2-1), but the 49ers had the edge in takeaways (2 to 1) and third down percentage (7/14-50% to 5/11-45%). The Bears did go 1 for 1 on fourth downs, with the Niners going 0-1. The Bears also had fewer penalties 4 for 30 yards to 6 for 45.

Now let’s take a closer look at the playing time break downs for the Bears, and also a few of the individual stats.

OFFENSE

The first half of this game was very inconsistent from the Bears offense and they went into the half trailing 9-7. It honestly seemed like they were just working on some different things early, but in the second half they buckled down and got after it.

Mitchell Trubisky was 16 of 17 for 109 yards in the second half of the game, including going 9 for 9 in the third quarter. That third quarter also saw the Bears go on their lengthiest (by time) scoring drive of the season with a 7:43, 12 play 90 yarder. Trubiksy was 25 of 29 for 246 yards, with a TD and a passer rating of 113.5. He had a fumble on an ill-advised backwards pass and he was sacked three times.

Jordan Howard was the games leading rusher with 13 carries for 53 yards and a TD. He also had 2 catches for 17 yards.

Chicago’s leading receiver was Allen Robinson II with 8 targets, 6 receptions, and 85 yards (and a fumble). Trey Burton caught 5 for 30 yards, and Anthony Miller caught Trubisky’s lone TD pass among his 3 grabs for 24 yards, plus he had a 30 yard kick return.

It was a quiet game for Tarik Cohen with just one catch for 7 yards, and 6 runs for 12.

DEFENSE

Only one sack for the Bears’ D on Sunday and that went to rookie sensation, Roquan Smith. He led the team in tackles with 9 (2 tackles for loss). Danny Trevathan had 7 tackles, 1 interception and 2 passes defended.

Adrian Amos had 8 tackles and a PD. Khalil Mack had 5 tackles 1 TFL and 3 QBH. Leonard Floyd had 2 QBH and a tackle. Akiem Hicks had 3 PD and a tackle.

While I don’t like seeing Hicks’ playing time percentage so high, a closer look tells me that he played his fewest snaps since October. That 11 minute edge in time of possession helped keep the D fresh.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The players listed above only appeared in the third phase.

The Bears have a kicking problem. Cody Parkey was the best placekicker on the market last offseason, but he’s not doing nearly as well as his 91.3 field goal percentage. Parkey missed another field goal and is now 22 of 29 on the season (75.9%). He did make both extra points though.

Patrick O’Donnell punted three times for a 33.0 net average, with 1 punt placed inside the 20.

Nick Kwiatkoski, Joel Iyiegbuniwe, and Kevin Toliver II each had a special teams tackle.

Any of these numbers stand out to you guys this week?

To check out all the team and individual stats from the game, I find that ESPN has an easy to navigate site. Just click the links above to see the full statistical picture.