When the Cowboys have the ball
The Bears defense will have to overcome the loss of three key injured players against a Cowboys offense that ranks fifth in the NFL in scoring and third in total yards. Linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring) and cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson (groin) and Kyler Gordon (hamstring) all have been ruled out of the contest.
The Bears will look to contain quarterback Dak Prescott, a 10-year veteran who has completed 68.6% of his passes for 549 yards with two TDs, one interception and an 88.8 passer rating that is tied for 20th in the league.
The Bears enter the game determined to generate consistent pressure on Prescott.
“Like most quarterbacks, it’s trying to get him off the spot,” said defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. “He’s an outstanding player. He’s playing at a really high level. He’s certainly got command of their total offense. We’re going to try to do some things to get him uncomfortable in the pocket. Hopefully we’ll have some looks that have him hold the ball a couple of extra counts and try to affect him that way.”
The Bears are hoping to create more one-on-one pass rushing opportunities for defensive end Montez Sweat, who is looking for his first sack of the season after having one nullified by offsetting penalties last Sunday in Detroit.
“You certainly can move him around,” Johnson said. “If they have an idea of where he is, they may try to slide that way, their protection. And same thing when you have the chips and the nudges, and the tight ends and the backs are helping out in pro and they know where a player is, that can certainly help them out.
“Moving around is one thing; pressure is another thing. Certain types of fronts can help out. You study each offense every week and usually their third-down protection. Their six-man pro has certain rules, and you look to attack it.”
Prescott’s top weapons are receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens and tight end Jake Ferguson. Lamb ranks third among NFL receivers with 222 yards and is tied for third with 16 receptions. The Cowboys’ rushing attack is led by running back Javonte Williams, who has gained 151 yards on 33 carries and scored three of Dallas’ six TDs.
Key matchup: Bears defensive end Montez Sweat vs. Cowboys right tackle Terence Steele
With injuries in the secondary, it’s more imperative than ever for the Bears to mount a pass rush Sunday. That starts with Sweat, who led the team in sacks each of the past two seasons. The Cowboys will counter with Steele, who has been a regular starter since joining Dallas in 2020 as an undrafted free agent from Texas Tech.