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Take a look at some of the defensive statistics, and the New Orleans Saints are right where they want to be.

After racking up four turnovers Monday night, the Saints No. 2 in the NFC in turnover ratio, with 10 takeaways to five giveaways.

"I was pleased with the turnovers last night," said Saints coach Sean Payton. "That was very significant in the game, and yet we still work on creating those and we still work on ball security and protecting the ball offensively."

And yet the undefeated Saints don't quite have time to stay pleased with themselves after their 38-17 thrashing of the Miami Dolphins on Monday night. They'll travel to Soldier Field on Sunday to play the Chicago Bears, giving them a short week.

Historically, the Saints have struggled at Soldier Field, last winning there in 2000, and going 0-3 at the venue under Payton.

Regardless of the history, it'll be a tough matchup, Payton said. The Bears are tied with the Saints in turnover ratio. Although the Saints coughed up the ball only once against the Dolphins, when the game was safely out of reach, Payton said it's something he's considered.

"We're playing a team this week that's very good at taking the ball away," Payton said. "Historically probably in the last however many years you want to go back, they've taken the ball away better than anyone."

Saints wide receiver Marques Colston said he knows one of the messages going into Sunday will be keeping that turnover ratio in the positive category.

"We say it time and time again, it's the number one stat in football," he said.

And the other? Keeping a level head with a 5-0 start possibly in their sights.

"I think the toughest thing is finding exactly what you need to win on that given Sunday," said cornerback Jabari Greer. "Because what won Monday night isn't necessarily what's going to win on this coming up Sunday."

Added Payton: "Our players understand that by no means are we a finished product. We've got a lot of work to do, especially after looking at that tape. There's a handful of things we need to get cleaned up."

New Orleans Saints prepare for Chicago Bears on short week: notebook | NOLA.com

hagan714

The Bears are tied with the Saints in turnover ratio.

Rugby Saint II

I sure did miss coach Payton.