The Cowboys got their first win of the new year, albeit by the skin of their teeth, at home last week against the Giants. They now head on the road to face the Bears, another team breaking in a new coaching staff. The Bears have already ruled out three defensive starters, two of them their top cornerbacks. Are our writers feeling confident in the star?
When Chicago has the ball
Contain Caleb Williams
All eyes are on Caleb Williams in Chicago this year. The first overall pick a year ago showed some promise as a rookie, but still
has plenty of room to grow. Now, paired with head coach Ben Johnson, the time for those improvements are now. He’s traditionally been at his best when getting outside the pocket, where his natural talent takes over and turns into huge chunk plays both through the air and on the ground.
The Dallas defense struggled mightily against Russell Wilson last week, and had mixed results against Jalen Hurts in the season opener too. Williams presents a unique challenge, but keeping him in the pocket and holding onto the ball – Williams ranks fourth in longest time to throw – is a sure way to limit his playmaking ability.
When Dallas has the ball
Get Dak Prescott in a rhythm early
As bad as the Cowboys defense was last week, the Bears have been arguably worse. Of course, they’ve played both games without slot corner Kyler Gordon, and fellow corner Jaylon Johnson played just a handful of snaps in Week 2. Both are out for this one, as is top linebacker T.J. Edwards.
Chicago is down bad defensively, especially in the secondary. As good as the Cowboys’ run game has looked, Dak Prescott has been on fire lately too. The duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens may have been too much for Chicago, even at full strength, but Brian Schottenheimer should come out firing against this secondary to start the game.
Now onto the predictions from your BTB writers…
Tom Ryle (2-0):
This could be a game when we find out a lot about just what the Cowboys are. I think the offense and the defense is at least serviceable.
Cowboys 31 Bears 19.
Matt Holleran (2-0):
I think we are going to see plenty of points in this week’s matchup. Both the Bears and Cowboys have offenses that have the ability to consistently move up and down the field and we will see that be a theme on Sunday. I see both teams scoring 26+ points and this game coming down to which defense can make one play to win their team the game. Unfortunately, I think the Bears are the more desperate team in this game and Chicago’s defense will be the one to make the play of the game.
Give me the Bears in a thriller, 30-26.
Mike Poland (1-1):
This is a get right game for the defense. The edge defenders can attack the left tackle, Braxton Jones, who currently leads all offensive tackles so far this year in pressures (13), and has allowed two sacks. On top of that, Caleb Williams has been sacked 6 times, fourth most in the league.
On the offensive side, the Cowboys have made 59 receptions this season, most in the NFL.
The Bears defense is allowing 9.9 yards-per-reception, worst in the NFL. On top of that the Cowboys offense have scored 5 TDs in the red zone this season, 3rd-most in NFL. The Bears defense have allowed 8 TDs when defending in the red zone this season, worst in NFL.Cowboys win 38-17.
Brian Martin (2-0):
The Chicago Bears defense is currently banged up in the secondary and also allowing 148.5 yards per game on the ground. I think this is something Dallas Cowboys will take advantage of, earning them their second win in a row.
Score prediction: Cowboys 30, Bears 17.
Jess Haynie (2-0):
Dak Prescott outduels Caleb Williams in a shootout.
Cowboys win, 37-31.
David Howman (1-1):
I believe the pairing of Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams will work out in the long run, but Week 3 is too early to be expecting much from these guys. As such, there have been flashes, but not much more than that. This Bears team is still learning how to execute their schemes, let alone how to win games.
Add some devastating injuries to their best defensive players, and this looks like a potential route for the Cowboys. Dak Prescott should put up big numbers against this beleaguered secondary, and the run game should continue to move people off the line of scrimmage. I see Johnson dialing up a few creative plays to hit big, but it won’t be enough in the end.
Cowboys win, 43-24.
