Chicago Bears (1-0) @ Dallas Cowboys (0-1)
Fresh off their win over the Detroit Lions in week one. The Chicago Bears travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys in a pivotal week two showdown.
The Bears barely beat the Lions at home last week, leaving many fans to wonder if the Bears really just got lucky. I believe we will see what the Bears really have this week. The good or bad.
Chicago dominated on defense last week by holding the lions under 150 yards of total offense. Credit needs to be given
to Detroit’s defense though. They held Chicago’s offense to just six points in the second half, despite Chicago starting on average at their own 42 yard line.
Meanwhile the Cowboys looked awful on Sunday Night Football against the Redskins in Washington. Losing the game on a holding call as time expired.
Tony Romo and the offense couldn’t move the ball against a tough Washington defense. Let’s see what he does against this Bears defense.
If the Bears want to be successful, they need to get to Romo, and get to him early. Dominate the line of scrimmage, and force Romo to make quick decisions. Against a talented receiving core, the Bears secondary needs to bring their “A” game. The Cowboys have too many weapons and can burn you on any down.
The Bears need to limit their turnovers as well. Last week they committed four turnovers, including 3 fumbles. The Lions scored all of their 14 points off those turnovers.
A match-up to look out for is the Cowboys defensive line against the Bears defensive line. The Bears line gave up four sacks to Detroit as they struggled. If they want a chance to win this, the offensive line has to play great. Including giving Cutler time in the pocket to find his receivers.
The Bears better block DeMarcus Ware as well. The defensive force will be looking to get to Cutler, and disrupt his timing. Failure to block him and it could be a long day for Cutler and the Bears.
Look for the Bears to keep using Matt Forte in the passing game as well. I don’t see a defensive player on the Cowboys that matches up well with Forte. Chicago needs to take advantage of
that. Even if it includes using Chester Taylor more in the running game, and Forte in the passing game.
Devin Hester needs to get going as well. He was non irrelevant last week. His speed is lethal, and should provide Cutler a down field target.
Bottom line is that Chicago’s offense needs to get going, and get going fast. Finish the drives with touchdowns, and execute on third downs. Limit the mistakes on offense as well. Pressure Tony Romo and force him to get rid of the ball, and let your defense do it’s job.
Three Keys to the Game for the Bears
-Start and finish the game strong
A fast start for Chicago is key. Get out ahead early, and put pressure on the Cowboys, much like the Redskins did in week one. A strong finish is also key. Something we didn’t see until the final minute of the game against Detroit.
-Protect Cutler
Dallas can get to the quarterback, so the Bears offensive line will have it’s work cut out for them. Protect Cutler and let him get a rhythm going. With time he will find his receivers, which could lead to big plays for Chicago.
-Limit the mistakes
You can’t emphasize this enough. Turnovers are the key to winning games. Force Dallas to turn the ball over, and limit your own turnovers. Chicago has struggled the last two seasons with turnovers in the red zone.
Prediction
Cowboys 24, Bears 12
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