What Are the Top 5 Storylines to Watch in the Bears vs. Cowboys Week 3 Showdown?

The Chicago Bears are at a critical juncture as they prepare to host the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field this Sunday afternoon. With a chance to bounce back from two disappointing losses in the NFC North, the Bears are looking for a win to regain momentum. A loss would further complicate the situation for head coach Ben Johnson in his inaugural season. Adding to the intrigue, former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus will return to Chicago as the Cowboys' defensive coordinator.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

• Chicago Bears aim for redemption after two losses.
• Caleb Williams shows signs of improvement as quarterback.
• Key defensive challenges against the Cowboys' receiving corps.
• Pressure on Dak Prescott is critical for Bears' success.
• Familiarity with Eberflus' defence could impact game strategy.

Can Caleb Williams’ Progress Lead to More Points?

In the Bears' first two games, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has displayed flashes of potential but also areas needing improvement. After evaluating his performance from the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings to the subsequent match against the Detroit Lions, Bears coaches noted his progress. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle remarked, "I think Caleb played better in this game. I think you saw a guy who has improved." This improvement must translate into tangible outcomes on the scoreboard.

So far, Williams ranks 22nd in the NFL with 417 passing yards and 24th with a completion rate of 61.5%. The team has scored 45 points, placing them 15th in the league. As they face the Cowboys, Williams has an opportunity to elevate his game. The Cowboys’ defence has shown vulnerabilities, particularly against prolific quarterbacks. A standout performance from Williams could be pivotal for the Bears' success.

Opportunities Against the Cowboys Defence

Dallas enters the game with a formidable defence, but there are openings for quarterbacks willing to exploit them. For instance, New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson had a remarkable outing against the Cowboys, throwing for 450 yards and three touchdowns. While it may be unrealistic for Williams to replicate such numbers, approaching his career-high of 363 passing yards could signal a breakthrough.

Stopping the Cowboys’ Talented Wide Receivers

One of the Bears' pressing challenges will be containing the Cowboys' talented wide receivers. The depth of Chicago's secondary has already been tested this season, and it will face another significant challenge against Dallas. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb currently ranks third in the NFL with 222 receiving yards, while newly acquired George Pickens has quickly made an impact. Tight end Jake Ferguson also poses a threat as a reliable target.

The Bears will be missing several key players, including cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who is sidelined with a groin injury. Other absentees include cornerbacks Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Jones, alongside linebacker T.J. Edwards. This depleted secondary will need to rise to the occasion to limit the effectiveness of Prescott’s receiving options.

Challenges in the Secondary

Chicago's secondary has had mixed results in the absence of its starters. While they managed to contain the Minnesota Vikings' Justin Jefferson, they struggled significantly against the Lions. To prevent a repeat of the latter performance, the Bears must tighten their coverage and force Prescott to make hasty decisions.

Creating Pressure on Dak Prescott

Generating pressure on Dak Prescott will be essential for slowing down the Cowboys’ offence. The Bears have struggled to achieve this early in the season, which could spell disaster against a quarterback of Prescott's calibre. He ranks fifth in the NFL with 549 passing yards and boasts a completion rate of 68.6%.

Last week, the Bears failed to record a sack against the Lions, marking a concerning trend. Their total of three sacks this season puts them tied for 25th in the NFL. Defensive edge rushers Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo must step up their game to disrupt Prescott's rhythm and prevent him from effectively orchestrating plays.

Strategies to Apply Pressure

Ben Johnson, the Bears' offensive coordinator, highlighted the importance of a raucous home crowd to disrupt Prescott's cadence. By creating an environment that hampers the Cowboys' communication, Chicago can increase its chances of gaining the upper hand. This approach, coupled with strategic blitzing and disciplined coverage, can help the Bears establish control.

Getting the Rookies Involved

Despite the talent on the roster, Johnson has yet to fully utilise his rookie players. First-round tight end Colston Loveland has only managed 12 receiving yards on two receptions, while second-round wide receiver Luther Burden III has a mere two receiving yards. Offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo and defensive tackle Shemar Turner have also seen limited action.

Johnson acknowledges the need to involve rookies more significantly in the game plan. With Eberflus' defensive system being somewhat familiar to the Bears, this may present an opportunity to exploit weaknesses. Loveland, in particular, could have a breakout game, especially considering the historical success of versatile tight ends against Eberflus' defences.

Expectations for Rookie Contributions

As Loveland stated, "Whatever it is, we’ve got to go out there and execute and at the end of the day, get a win." The Bears' offensive strategy must adapt to find ways to incorporate more offensive threats, enhancing the overall performance against the Cowboys.

A Familiar Foe: Matt Eberflus Returns

Former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus will return to Soldier Field, adding another layer of intrigue to the matchup. Eberflus was let go mid-season last year after compiling a 14-32 record over three seasons. His familiarity with the Bears' personnel and their strategies could have significant implications for the outcome of the game.

Johnson expressed respect for Eberflus and noted that the Bears have players who understand his defensive system. The familiarity may provide the Bears with insights into how to counteract Eberflus' strategies and exploit any weaknesses in the Cowboys' game plan.

Mind Games on the Sidelines

The return of Eberflus sets the stage for a mental chess match between the coaching staffs. The knowledge of each other's tendencies could lead to strategic advantages or missteps. Nevertheless, Johnson remains confident that his team is equipped to handle the situation, stating, "We know what he knows and we’ll be just fine there."

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for the Bears

The matchup against the Dallas Cowboys represents a critical moment for the Chicago Bears and head coach Ben Johnson. A victory could provide a much-needed spark, while a loss would deepen the team's struggles. With the return of Eberflus, the stakes are higher than ever. As the Bears look to improve their record and build momentum, they must focus on executing their game plan effectively. Will they rise to the occasion, or will the Cowboys prove too formidable?

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FAQs

What time does the Bears vs. Cowboys game start?

The game will kick off at 3:25 p.m. BST on Sunday.

Where can I watch the Bears vs. Cowboys game?

The game will be broadcast on FOX.

What are the key injuries for the Bears ahead of the game?

The Bears will be without cornerback Jaylon Johnson, cornerbacks Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Jones, and linebacker T.J. Edwards due to injuries.

How has Caleb Williams performed so far this season?

Caleb Williams has thrown for 417 yards with three touchdowns, holding a completion rate of 61.5% over the first two games.

What is the historical performance of Eberflus against the Bears?

Eberflus was the Bears’ head coach for three seasons, finishing with a record of 14-32 before being fired mid-season last year.