ClutchPoints
The Dallas Cowboys escaped with a win last week. They hardly looked like contenders, though. After surrendering more than 500 yards to the Giants, the defense has come under heavy fire heading into Week 3. Now, Dallas heads to Soldier Field to face a Chicago Bears team that has been equally porous. They have given up an NFL-worst 79 points through two weeks. Something has to give Sunday night. For Dallas, the key X-factor will be its embattled defense.
The Cowboys and Bears square off in a Week 3 matchup that promises plenty of fireworks. Chicago has already surrendered a helluva ton of points through two games, while Dallas has allowed 61. With both defenses struggling, this contest has all the makings of a high-scoring shootout where explosive plays could decide the outcome.
Dallas is coming off a 40-37 victory over the Giants. That was a game that exposed the Cowboys’ vulnerable secondary. Russell Wilson torched them for 450 yards and three touchdowns. Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus now heads back to Chicago determined to make a statement against his former team. The Bears, meanwhile, are licking their wounds after a 52-21 drubbing by the Lions. With Dallas QB Dak Prescott protected by a strong offensive line and throwing to weapons like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, the Cowboys seem better equipped to rebound. Still, their shaky defense remains the big question mark.
Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the Dallas Cowboys’ X-factor for blockbuster Week 3 clash vs. Chicago Bears.
The Cowboys may have beaten the Giants, but their defensive performance was alarming. Dallas allowed 506 total yards. That included 422 passing yards, which was the most they’ve given up through the air since 2016. Wilson connected on seven passes of 25 yards or more, three of which went for at least 45 yards. The Cowboys even gave up a deep touchdown in the final seconds, a play that nearly cost them the game.
Statistically, Dallas has allowed the third-most passing yards in the league through two weeks. What’s puzzling is the inconsistency. Just a week earlier, they held Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts to 144 passing yards and limited AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith to a combined four receptions. Right now, nobody knows which version of the Cowboys’ defense will show up in Chicago.
Part of Dallas’ problem has been availability. Cornerback DaRon Bland missed last week with a foot injury. Yes, Jerry Jones insists he’ll be back soon. That said, foot injuries for defensive backs are rarely straightforward. Even if Bland returns in the next few weeks, the Cowboys can’t rely on him to be fully healthy over the long haul.
As for Trevon Diggs, his trajectory also sparks concern. Once touted as a cornerstone of the secondary, his form has dipped. That has left Dallas vulnerable on the back end. Without consistent play from their top corners, opposing receivers are...
