ClutchPoints
The Chicago Bears enter Week 3 with an 0-2 record and an offense still searching for its identity, but Sunday’s showdown against the Dallas Cowboys presents an ideal opportunity to get things back on track. While both teams have struggled defensively through the first two weeks, the Cowboys’ secondary issues run far deeper than Chicago’s offensive inconsistencies, creating a perfect storm for Caleb Williams and his receiving corps to exploit.
The numbers tell a concerning story for Dallas. The Cowboys have allowed 422 passing yards to Russell Wilson and the Giants in Week 2 alone, while surrendering a whopping 50.9% pass defense DVOA that ranks them 29th in the league. Through two games, Dallas has been torched for big plays in the passing game, particularly in coverage breakdowns that have left receivers running free in open space.
Despite the Bears’ 0-2 start, their offensive arsenal is perfectly positioned to exploit Dallas’s defensive vulnerabilities. Chicago has already demonstrated an impressive ability to generate explosive plays, ranking tied for second in the NFL with 16 “big plays” (rushes over 10 yards or passes over 20 yards) through two weeks. This big-play capability could prove devastating against a Cowboys defense that has consistently allowed receivers to get behind their coverage.
Caleb Williams has shown marked improvement in his decision-making and timing within Ben Johnson’s system. His connection with Rome Odunze has developed faster than expected, with the rookie receiver becoming Williams’ primary target and hauling in 13 catches for 165 yards and three touchdowns on 20 targets. The chemistry between quarterback and receiver was on full display in Week 2, when Odunze caught seven passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns against Detroit.
The emergence of Odunze as the clear number one receiver has created a dynamic that the Cowboys’ depleted secondary will struggle to contain. DJ Moore remains a threat on the other side, and his veteran presence combined with Odunze’s ascending talent presents a matchup nightmare for a Dallas defense that allowed Giants receivers Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson to combine for 17 catches, 309 yards, and three touchdowns.
The Cowboys’ defensive backfield has been ravaged by injuries and scheme adjustments that haven’t translated to on-field success. All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland remains sidelined with a foot injury, missing his second consecutive week. This absence has forced Dallas to rely heavily on unproven depth, including waiver wire pickup Reddy Steward, who claimed 70% of defensive snaps against the Giants despite playing only 18 defensive snaps last season.
Even when healthy, the Cowboys’ secondary has shown fundamental breakdowns. Trevon Diggs and Kaiir Elam have appeared “lost in the secondary” according to film analysis, often playing off receivers and struggling to stay in phase with deep routes. The communication in coverage has been poor, allowing opposing receivers to find soft spots in zones and create separation.
The transition from Dan Quinn’s aggressive defensive scheme...
