Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys Week 3 who wins and why
A little over three weeks ago, no one would have expected this Sunday's Bears and Cowboys game at Soldier Field to look like a shootout or track meet.
Dallas and defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus had Micah Parson to help shut down opponents or at least hold down opponents to help their high-scoring offense. The Bears' hopes early in the season were pinned to Dennis Allen's defense and a good group of athletes like Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon and T.J. Edwards keeping games close. To hear some analysts, only the goal line will be stopping ball carriers and receivers in this one. It's a game that should be on a 400-meter oval, not a football field.
"It's going to be one of those games where we have to be on our technique, because this is a group that can hurt you in a hurry," Bears coach Ben Johnson said, buying into the narrative.
They can really hurt you when a big chunk of the defense is missing and the last opponent scored 52 points. Without Parsons, the Cowboys haven't had much of a pass rush and their two outstanding cornerbacks are currently 50% shy of a matching set, with DaRon Bland out injured.
The Bears have allowed 79 points in two games with a crippled defense. Meanwhile, Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze and their passing game are gaining steam.
It's the Bears and Cowboys offenses at Soldier Field Sunday in Week 3 of the NFL season, as Ben Johnson keeps looking for that first win. Here's who wins and why.
Bears running vs. Cowboys run defense
Maybe the most deceiving stat in this game is the Bears rank 12th in rushing. They haven't run consistently and their yardage total is boosted by Caleb Williams' scrambling, as the NFL's fourth-ranked running QB. D'Andre Swift has had a few big gains but not steady yardage. Meanwhile, Dallas added Kenny Clark and anticipated better run defense, but still ranks 23rd against the run. Dallas linebackers have been a problem and so has the run support from the secondary. The Bears need Kyle Monangai and/or Roschon Johnson to play roles in this one to take advantage of a Dallas weakness. No Edge