The Bears return to Soldier Field to host the Cowboys Sunday, with kickoff slated for 3:25 p.m. Dallas lost its season opener to the Eagles 24-20 in Philadelphia before beating the Giants at home 40-37 in overtime last Sunday.
When the Bears have the ball
Caleb Williams quarterbacks an offense that has scored a touchdown on its opening possession in each of the first two games this year against the Vikings and Lions. The No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft improved from Week 1 to 2, increasing his passer rating (86.6 to 91.9), completion percentage (60.0 to 63.3) and yards per attempt (6.0 to 6.9).
The Bears are hoping that Williams takes another step against a Cowboys defense that ranks 30th in the NFL in total yards and 30th in passing yards after allowing the Giants' Russell Wilson to throw for 450 yards and three touchdowns last Sunday.
Williams' rapport with second-year receiver Rome Odunze has been evident. The No. 9 pick in the 2024 draft leads Bears receivers with 13 catches and 165 yards and has caught all three of Williams' TD passes in the first two games—already matching Odunze's TD total from his rookie season.
"I know he's just a second-year player, but he's very much a complete receiver," said coach Ben Johnson. "He's willing in the run game, but as a route runner he's got the ability to win one-on-ones. For a big, long guy he's got the ability to change direction and separate, probably more so than a lot of guys I've been around. When you have a guy like that that can separate yet has a huge catch radius and can go up and get the football, it's a unique skill set."
The Bears' running game showed promise in the first half against the Lions, with D'Andre Swift rushing for 50 yards on eight carries, an average of 6.3 yards per carry. Swift is questionable for Sunday's game versus Dallas with a quad injury.
The Cowboys defense is led by tackles Kenny Clark and Osa Odighizuwa.
"That's really the strength of their defense, those two defensive tackles," Johnson said. "We have to do a great job of making sure they're accounted for."
Key matchup: Bears guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson vs. Cowboys defensive tackle Kenny Clark
A three-time Pro Bowl selection in nine seasons with the Packers, Clark was acquired by the Cowboys as part of the blockbuster trade that sent defensive end Micah Parsons to Green Bay. Clark's inclusion was key to Dallas making the deal.
"Any time he's singled up one-on-one, he can give those interior linemen fits," Johnson said. "Tremendous amount of respect for him. He has been a game wrecker."
Clark and Odighizuwa switch defensive tackle positions on occasion, which means that both likely will face Thuney and Jackson at times during the game.
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.
