Blogging The Boys
The Dallas Cowboys travel to the windy city to face the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Over the prior 12 seasons, the Bears have only had one year where they had more wins than losses (2018, lost in the Wild Card game). It’s been a struggle for them, and the struggles continue as they are off to a 0-2 start with new head coach Ben Johnson.
The Cowboys have a new coach of their own in Brian Schottenheimer, and after two games, we’re not exactly sure what to make of this football team. Despite their struggles, the Bears should present a good matchup for them as the Cowboys continue to figure things out. Here are five things to keep an eye on when these two teams go to battle on Sunday.
New head coach Brian Schottenheimer vowed to fix the Cowboys’ rushing attack, and by George, he’s doing it. The team is off to a good start, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. The Washington Commanders are the only NFC team with a higher rushing efficiency than Dallas. The team is getting good contributions from both their free agent signings this offseason, Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders.
While running the ball should be a thing, the Cowboys’ offense should look to exploit a Bears’ defense that is dead last in passing yards allowed per attempt (9.2). No other team has allowed more receiving touchdowns than the Bears this season. Dak Prescott is already in the top five in passing yards so far this season (549), thanks to a big game against the Giants, but he should continue to put up good numbers facing a Bears’ secondary that is banged up right now.
Dallas won’t be the only team airing it out in this game. The Bears will be looking to attack a suspect Cowboys’ secondary after surrendering 450 passing yards last week to Russell Wilson and the New York Giants’ offense. While the prime receiving target is typically the veteran D.J. Moore, there is a new pass-catcher in Chi-town gaining a lot of buzz.
Last season, the Bears selected Washington Huskies standout Rome Odunze with the ninth overall pick in the draft. He had a modest 734 yards receiving, but only found the end zone three times. This year, he’s already matched last year’s touchdown totals and leads the team in all receiving categories. He’s out-targeted Moore 20 to 11 so far and is becoming more and more involved in the offense. Williams has excellent hands and a nose for the end zone, so trying to keep him from finding a groove will be key for the Cowboys’ defense.
In the season opener, the Cowboys’ defense allowed Jalen Hurts to rush for 62 yards, picking up critical first downs that helped the Eagles win the game. It was frustrating, considering Philadelphia didn’t get much else going on offense and was held scoreless on their last four possessions...
