Chicago Bears: 3 Keys to Beating the Dallas Cowboys

Here’s how the Chicago Bears can defeat the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3 of the NFL Season.

The Chicago Bears had a disastrous home opener last week, getting blown out by the Philadelphia Eagles 29-14. The team was devastated by injuries, losing—among others—starters Danny Trevathan, Eddie Goldman, Adrian Amos, and Jay Cutler. At 0-2, the Bears find themselves one of eight teams winless entering Week 3.

While the Bears scramble around trying to find healthy bodies, the Cowboys, meanwhile, are feeling pretty good about themselves. The team got its first win of the season last week, beating the division rival Washington Redskins on the road 27-23. Rookie sensation Dak Prescott (519 yards, 62.7 percent completion, zero turnovers) has the offense moving, and the defense has surprisingly held its own (21.5 points per game, 14th in league).

On paper, this game appears to point pretty heavily towards the Cowboys. However, the Bears do have a shot of winning, and here’s how.

1. Commit to the Run

This was one of the keys last week, but the Bears simply didn’t do it. The Bears’ running game was not good at all in Week 2 (64 yards on 18 attempts), and nine of the teams’ rushing yards came on an end-around by Kevin White. In the first half, when the game was still in reach, the Bears had only seven carries for ten yards. Whether it is because of the incompetency of the offensive line or the stubbornness of offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains, the Bears are simply not committing to the run—even though they desperately need to.

This is especially true with backup quarterback Brian Hoyer under center now. The Cowboys are allowing 97.5 rush yards per game, including a healthy 4.8 yard average. I said it last week, and I’ll say it again this week: attempting 25 to 30 runs should be the goal for the Bears. With the Bears defense all banged-up, the offense desperately needs to gain a few first downs, keep the clock moving, and shorten the game.

2. Play for 60 Minutes

Going into halftime in Week 1, the Bears led 14-10; last week against the Eagles, the Bears only trailed 9-7. However, once the second half began, both games got out of hand pretty quickly. In the two second halves this year, the Bears have been outscored 33-7, and have not scored an offensive touchdown (Eddie Royal had a 65-yard punt return touchdown in Week 2).

In Week 1, their second half offensive possessions resulted in three three-and-outs, two punts, an interception, and a turnover on downs. It didn’t improve in Week 2. The Bears lost two fumbles, threw a pick, turned the ball over on downs, and punted once.

That kind of offensive production is not going to cut it this week on the road. The Bears have only been playing for 30 minutes, but it is a 60 minute game! Playing a whole game is a must this week.

3. Do Something Special on Special Teams

With a backup quarterback starting, a defense that could be missing as many as five starters, and a coaching staff that doesn’t seem to have any answers, the Bears are going to need a spark to come from their special teams.

Eddie Royal had a terrific 65-yard punt return for a touchdown late in the game against the Eagles, and the Bears need more of that. Their kick return game overall has been pretty poor so far, as returner Deonte Thompson keeps bringing the ball out of the end zone (instead of taking a knee) and failing to even get to the 25-yard line. Kicker Connor Barth, making his Soldier Field debut, missed a 31-yard field goal (which is shorter than an extra point), and the Bears nearly had a punt blocked in Week 2.

The days of Devin Hester are over, but the Bears really need their third phase to make a positive impact against the Cowboys. Whether that means another good return, a critical field goal made, or a turnover created on the coverage units, the special teams needs to be special.

Key Player Matchup

Chicago LB Jerrell Freeman vs. Dallas TE Jason Witten

Freeman has been one of the few bright spots on the Bears thus far, receiving high marks from Pro Football Focus (87.2 overall) and leading the team in tackles (22). Meanwhile, Jason Witten has been Mr. Reliable (as usual) for the Cowboys, and has been Dak Prescott’s go-to guy (12 receptions, 117 yards) this season. With Danny Trevathan out, Freeman’s responsibilities have grown, but his main task this week is to slow down Witten. Freeman has been outstanding in coverage this year (second best in PFF rankings), and that has to continue this week.

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