The Chicago Bears already pulled off one upset earlier this week in New England. Maybe they can work the same magic by knocking off the surging Dallas Cowboys. These two teams may not have a storied rivalry, but they’ve each gotten their share of good shots over the years. It isn’t any surprise Dallas is favored. They have the more talented team and the homefield advantage. Still, the Bears have proven a tough and gritty group this season.
History says the Cowboys are making a big mistake if they overlook this opponent. The odds are that won’t happen. Chicago’s romp over the Patriots signaled to everybody how dangerous they were if not taken seriously. Everything points to Dallas winning this game. Then again, that is nothing new to the Bears. So here’s a rundown of what to expect.
The Chicago Bears may not have enough magic for this one.
Backstory:
The NFC East has become the class of the conference yet again as three of their number have a combined three losses between them through seven games. Dallas has won five of their last six. The biggest reason for that is their outstanding defense, ranking second in points allowed and fourth against the pass. A big part of that success is their dynamite pass rush, having racked up 29 sacks already. It feels like a lopsided matchup knowing they’re facing the worst passing attack in the NFL in the Bears. These are two teams at different stages. Dallas is gunning for a title. Chicago is rebuilding. Then again, that didn’t stop the latter from pantsing New England last Monday.
Injuries:
Larry Borom (concussion) – Losing one offensive lineman to injury is bad enough. Losing two is a disaster. Chicago will already be without Lucas Patrick, who landed on IR with a toe issue. Now their starting right tackle Borom has missed two practices in a row. His availability doesn’t look good. That means veteran Riley Reiff may have to step in. The timing of this is brutal since Dallas has the best edge rusher rotation in the league.
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Ezekiel Elliott (knee) – He may not be the dominant force he was a few years ago, but Elliott is still a steady and reliable running back. He’s also by far their best pass protector at the position. As electric as Tony Pollard can be, he is a liability picking up blitzes. That could create problems for Dallas if they have to start throwing the ball more often during the game. Elliott may try to play, but he won’t be 100%.
Key matchups:
Micah Parsons vs. Braxton Jones – Parsons has surpassed Aaron Donald as the best defensive player in the NFL. It’s not up for debate. He is a great linebacker in the traditional sense and yet, somehow, an even better pass rusher. His mixture of strength, speed, quickness, and leverage make him a nightmare to block. Jones has held up well, for the most part, this season. This is the rookie’s biggest test by a wide margin.
Micah Parsons is ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/or1EPbL30f
— Bob Sturm (@SportsSturm) October 24, 2022
CeeDee Lamb vs. Jaylon Johnson – Trading Amari Cooper wasn’t supposed to hurt the Cowboys passing game as much as it has. This has put lots of pressure on Lamb to carry the load. He’s done a good job for the most part. However, teams that have held him in check this year tend to stymie Dallas on the scoreboard. Johnson relishes matching up with top receivers, and he’s plenty capable of hanging with Lamb.
X-factors:
Khalil Herbert – Dallas’ defense doesn’t have many weaknesses for the Chicago Bears to exploit. That said, they’re 19th against the run. That means they’ve been vulnerable to teams that can pound the ball. None are better this year than Chicago. Herbert is a central part of that, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. He is a natural fit in this new wide-zone system under Luke Getsy. Rest assured, the Bears are going to feed him.
WOW! Justin Fields with a side arm throw around a defender to Khalil Herbert for the TD
🎥: @NFL pic.twitter.com/MBMipx6m36
— Bears Talk (@NBCSBears) October 25, 2022
Trevon Diggs – The All-Pro cornerback already has 17 interceptions in his career. It is a hazard whenever quarterbacks throw in his direction. The recent injury to Jourdan Lewis may enable Justin Fields to avoid doing that more often. That said, Diggs is vulnerable to the deep ball at times. Darnell Mooney has enough speed to test him on one or two vertical shots. It will come down to whether Fields gets enough protection to try it.
Prediction: Cowboys win 23-14
Dallas is a more complete team right now. They have a defense perfectly constructed to exploit Chicago’s weaknesses. They’re also at home. Also, don’t overlook how trading Robert Quinn further weakens the Bears’ already inconsistent pass rush. This game feels like it’ll probably be close for a half or three quarters. In the end, Dallas’ defense will make enough stops to allow the offense to put the game away late.
Nope
PARSON’S might line up occasionally v/s Jones. But, he will seek out the weakest blocker on many occasions. Will that be Rieffe? Musipher? Schofield? He lines up everywhere, and so assigning his blocker as Jones is not being fair. If Parson’s has a highlight-reel day it will be from several positions and blitz stunts.