Bears' defense meets its goal with Rice but not Owens.(Chicago Tribune)

SAN FRANCISCO _ It was at the same time a good game by the Bears' defense, based on the NFL norm, and also one which left a nagging question about how really good the defense has become.

The Bears allowed 17 points, the goal for most defenses. But they let Pro Bowl-bound wide receiver Terrell Owens catch 20 passes for 283 yards_the Bears as a team have topped that only once this season_and had it happen for a disturbing reason.

Most NFL defenses can devise game plans to stop just about anything, although there may be other consequences.

"If they want to throw to Terrell Owens, we can't stop that," Bears defensive coordinator Greg Blache said. …