Anquan Boldin knows the San Francisco 49ers need to improve in the red zone.
Through 11 games, the 49ers offense ranks last in the NFL, converting just 39.29 percent of its trips inside the 20-yard line into touchdowns.
"We just want to come together as an offense and put up points the way we're capable of doing," Boldin said. "We've made trips to the red zone and for one reason or another we've come away with field goals."
The offense has a good idea of what to expect from the Chicago Bears defense in Week 13. Chicago's defensive coordinator Vic Fangio spent the last four seasons with the 49ers. San Francisco's skill players see the characteristics of a Fangio-led defense on the Bears game film this season.
"It's the same scheme with different players," Boldin said. "What we were used to going against in practice is what we'll see in the game on Sunday."
Boldin knows, however, that the familiarity is a double-edged sword.
"It can go either way," the receiver said. "He's been around us as well. He knows what we like to do and the strengths and weaknesses we have, and vice versa. We went against his defense every day in practice so we know where the holes are and where the weak spots are."
Much has been made about Chicago's ability to avoid giving up the big play – a staple of Fangio's scheme. The Bears have allowed just six pass plays of at least 40 yards and have yet to allow a run of 40 yards or more.
That puts a premium on balancing patientience with aggressiveness.
"It's not waiting to see what they give us, but more so taking the fight to them," Boldin said "Having them adjust to us instead of us adjusting to them."
After missing two games with a hamstring injury, Boldin has logged back-to-back games with 93 receiving yards and at least five receptions.
The receiver was asked about being just 36 yards away from becoming the 18th player in NFL history to reach 13,000 career receiving yards. The receiver told 49ers Studios earlier this season that he doesn't concern himself with stats, but his son is always sure to remind him of the approaching milestones.
"Yeah I've heard it," Bolding laughed. "He told me to make sure I get it this week. Hopefully we'll get that done so he can get off my back."
