The Bears head west to San Diego for the first time since 1993 as these interconference foes meet for only the eighth time.

While the Chargers own a one-game lead in the series standings (4-3), the Bears have prevailed in the last two meetings, including a 27-14 Saturday afternoon triumph in 1996 at Soldier Field in the most recent encounter between the clubs.

While the Bears are 1-3 lifetime at San Diego dating back to 1974, Chicago managed a 16-13 Sunday night victory (ESPN) in 1993 in their last visit to Qualcomm Stadium.

Numbers: In his last six games, Bears WR Marcus Robinson has totaled 37 receptions for 681 yards (18.4 avg.) and 5 touchdowns, totaling 100 or more yards receiving in 3 of those contests. The Bears have forced 22 turnovers in 10 games in '99, this after totaling just 28 takeaways in 16 games in '98. They have totaled 28 sacks in 10 games in '99, this after finishing tied for last in the NFL in sacks (28) in 16 games in '98. In 1995, since-departed Bears QB Erik Kramer (9-7) threw a team-record 29 touchdown passes, just 10 interceptions and was sacked only 15 times--the only quarterback in the NFL to take every snap from center that season. In their last 58 games (1996-99), eight Bears quarterbacks have seen action (Shane Matthews, Cade McNown and Jim Miller, as well as since-departed Dave Krieg, Steve Stenstrom, Rick Mirer, Moses Moreno and Kramer), amassing an 19-39 record, throwing 62 TD passes, 68 interceptions while being sacked 119 times. Including playoffs (92 games), the Bears have allowed 533 points in 38 wins (14.0 PPG), 1,491 points in 54 losses (27.6 PPG) the last six seasons (1994-99). The Bears have committed two or more turnovers in five straight games.

The Chargers have allowed 41 points in four wins, 153 points in five losses in '99. They have committed 27 turnovers in 21 wins, 114 turnovers in 36 losses since '96. The Chargers have been limited to 17 or fewer points in five straight games and 21 of their last 28 contests dating back to '97. They have totaled 23 takeaways and 33 sacks in nine wins, 20 takeaways and 27 sacks in 16 losses dating back to '98. The Chargers have been limited to fewer than 100 yards rushing in nine straight games. They have not forced a turnover in three straight games.

Things to look for: Even with a quarterback making his first start in over three years (Jim Miller), the hustling Bears continue to show, even in defeat, why they're one of the most improved teams in the league. The stumbling Chargers have headed in the opposite direction following their promising start with no relief in sight as their once-formidable defensive unit is starting to wear down.

Etc.: The Bears are 9-10 vs. AFC competition dating back to 1995 (1-2 in '99), and 21-22 in interconference games dating back to 1989. The Chargers are 4-10 vs. NFC teams dating back to 1996 (1-1 in '99). They have lost four straight games and been outscored a combined 126-29 in those four setbacks.