It's finally here. After a whole week of screaming and pouting about Alex Barron, the half-ending fumble, and the overall play of the Cowboys offense in the upset loss to the Redskins, its finally time for the boys to take the field and really start this season. They will do so at home against a Bears team that was lucky to come away with a win against the Lions.
On paper the Cowboys should massacre the Bears, but that's the way it seemed heading into Washington. The Bears offensive line is feeble, giving up 4 sacks last week to the Lions. The Cowboys front 7 should have a field day against the Bears front 5. For Jay Cutler, this is a recipe for disaster. He led the NFL in interceptions last year has already thrown for one this year. The Cowboys have two very talented corners in Terrence Newman and Michael Jenkins and I expect at least one of them to come away with a turn over. The Bears run over 70% of their offensive plays in a 3-wide set meaning the cowboys will be playing a lot of nickel defense. 3rd cornerback (and the cowboys only carry three on their roster) Orlando Scandrick will have to play a large role in this game. He is very skilled, and itching to redeem himself after that ill-advised offsides last week on a Redskins FGA.
The Cowboys linebackers and front 7 should also be busy trying to contain the very talented RB Matt Forte. Keith Brooking and Bradie James are very skilled and consistently keep their heads on a swivel, and I expect them to bottle up the Bears run attack. With the likes of Jay Ratliff, Igor Olishanksy and Marcus Spears clogging up the middle, the Bears will likely have to resort to the one offensive play that the Cowboys seem inept at defending: The screen pass. Matt Forte is an excellent receiving back and I expect this to be a pain for the Cowboys to defend.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Cowboys have a lot to prove. Cowboys fans have been patient with the development of Tony Romo and his offense over the past few years but they are growing restless. In my opinion, Romo has solidified himself as a top tier quarterback in this league. He played very well and extremely efficient last week. His offensive line failed to protect him and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett has continually failed to live up to his pay grade, with poor, head scratching play calling.
The Cowboys have three very talented backs, all with unique styles and yet they are never utilized to their full ability. The Cowboys must pound the rock, let these runners and their big offensive line pound the defense into submission. The Bears have a stout defense with great linebackers in Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, as well as free agent DE Julius Peppers. Over the years however, we have seen that this defense is not complete and can be exploited in the run game
Once the Cowboys establish a run attack, then Garrett can really open up the passing game. Off of play action, Tony Romo should be able to take 7 step drops and throw the ball wherever he pleases. Witten should be able to get open over these linebackers and their WR's will be open all day. Julius Peppers will test both Doug Free and Mark Colombo but Romo is elusive enough to make plays.
I think the Cowboys are motivated enough to make the plays necessary to take it to Chicago. The offense will be smarter this week and most definitely motivated. The defense will make for a long day for Jay Cutler. One more interesting thing to watch for is Dallas kicker David Buehler. He has a powerful leg and broke the Cowboys record for touchbacks last season. Now he is responsible for the place kicking duties and failed in his only attempt last week. Hopefully he can make his first career FG this weekend and get those nerves under him.
Final: Cowboys 26 Bears 14
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