The Bears will host the Dallas Cowboys this week in a must-win matchup. While avoiding an 0-3 start to the season is imperative, the greater motivation perhaps lies within the coaching matchup. With former head coach Matt Eberflus (fired after Week 13 last season) taking over as defensive coordinator in Dallas, a loss to his defense would send Chicago (even further) into a spiral.
The Bears come into the week reeling off of one their worst losses of this century. It will be interesting to see how they respond. Head coach Ben Johnson has told the media that the players are not practicing hard enough. It remains to be seen whether they will respond positively to these quotes, or plummet even further. The crippled defense will have its work cut out for it, facing off against a Dallas offense that has been one of the best in the NFL thus far.
This game is trending towards being a shootout. The Cowboys are coming off of a 40-37 victory against the Giants and rank 5th in points, 3rd in rushing touchdowns, and 2nd in PFF passing grade. To almost perfectly contrast, their defense has surrendered the 5th most points in the NFL and allows the 5th most net yards per pass attempt. With Chicago’s defense having given up the most points in the league through two weeks, the Cowboys offense seems destined to put up big numbers. The question that lingers: will Caleb Williams and the Bears offense be able to keep up?
Keys to the Game
Bears
- Win the Time of Possession Battle
With such a disadvantage on the defensive side of the ball due to injuries and the talent of the Cowboys offense, it will be key for the Bears to win in time of possession. The longer the offense holds onto the ball, the less time Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Javonte Williams have it in their hands. In each of its first two games, the Chicago defense has started off strong before weakening later into the contest. If they can avoid or delay reaching that total collapse that we saw in the 4th quarter against Minnesota and the second half in Detroit, the Bears might be able to hang in there. Less three-and-outs and longer, sustained drives would pay dividends for Chicago.
In addition, the Cowboys had the ball for 9 less minutes than their opponent in their loss, while they won the stat by 5 minutes in their win. Time of possession has been a key indicator in both weeks.
- Get Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland Involved
Ben Johnson and the Bears could also benefit from getting the tight ends involved. Back in Detroit, Johnson utilized the position heavily with tight end Sam LaPorta providing a dangerous threat. After drafting Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick in this year’s draft and considering the presence of the already proven Cole Kmet, it was safe to assume that the tight end position would also play a significant role in Chicago’s new offensive system. But alas, the two have combined for only 5 catches, 72 receiving yards, and 0 touchdowns on the season so far. Loveland was held to a complete goose-egg last week. These players feel like missing pieces in the offense. If things are going to pick up, they need to get involved.
Cowboys
- Target Crippled Secondary
Dallas would be smart to target Chicago’s unhealthy secondary. With CBs Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and Terrell Smith out, far too much responsibility will be placed upon Tyrique Stevenson, Nahshon Wright, and Nick McCloud. With Stevenson expected to primarily defend Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb, the Bears could be in for a long day. The stats already back this up, as the Bears have allowed the most net yards per pass attempt this season (9.2) as well as the most passing touchdowns (7). If the Cowboys are able to hammer Chicago’s inexperienced cornerbacks, they should find lots of success.
- Don’t beat Yourself
The Bears have struggled mightily with penalties this season, out-penalizing the Vikings 12-8 in Week 1, and the Lions 8-3 in Week 2. Both the Vikings and Lions were able to stay disciplined and benefit from Chicago’s sloppiness. If Dallas can do the same, they will probably gain themselves a similar type of advantage.