The Chicago Bears have their backs against the wall coming into Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys, looking to avoid an 0-3 start under new head coach Ben Johnson.
There are several letdown factors coming into this matchup, including the defense being decimated by injuries with top stars Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, and T.J. Edwards all being ruled out. But it’s not all doom and gloom on the Chicago front.
If it wasn’t for self-inflicted wounds from the offensive line, the offensive unit as a whole would have a lot more optimism surrounding it and the play of second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. After barely surviving in an overtime thriller against the New York Giants last week, the Dallas Cowboys showed plenty of vulnerability that Chicago could take advantage of this Sunday.
Here’s are three main reasons for optimism as the Bears prepare to host the Cowboys.
Lack of Cowboys pass rush
This might be low-hanging fruit when looking at the Dallas defense, but the departure of Micah Parsons can’t be ignored early on in the Cowboys 2025 season. In the immediate aftermath of Parsons being traded to the Green Bay Packers, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones mentioned the focus on stopping the run, and they’ve only put together four sacks in the first two games of the season. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has operated a smooth offense with a clean pocket this year, and the lack of Dallas pass rush could help get the offensive line issues in order.
Cowboys injuries
Coming into Week 3, the Cowboys suffered two major losses that will hurt both their offense and defense, with center Cooper Bebe being placed on injured reserve and cornerback DaRon Bland being ruled out for the game. The absence of Bebe could open the door for the Bears defensive line which needs to create much more production in the pass rushing department, and they have an advantage with a backup center and rookie right guard in Tyler Booker. On the defensive side, the Cowboys being without Bland could make it tough against the Bears passing offense, which has been highlighted by Rome Odunze’s three receiving touchdowns in two games. If superstar cornerback Trevon Diggs is on DJ Moore for most of the game, Odunze, along with the other receiving weapons, could have a big day in store for them.
Ben Johnson’s challenge
Earlier this week, Bears head coach Ben Johnson made headlines by saying the Bears practice habits do not reflect those of a championship caliber team, but at this point they just need to win a game. Challenges from head coaches are usually answered in a definitive way, or they fall on deaf ears and the team shows a failed identity and production. The challenge from Johnson comes just two weeks into the season and, with more veteran leaders in the locker room this season, the Bears should rise to the occasion this week. Dallas enters this game with plenty of momentum after their overtime thrilling win, but Chicago has been called out and challenged by their new leader, and it’s time they answer the call.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 3 reasons for optimism as Bears host Cowboys in Week 3
Reporting by Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
