Chicago Bears

Dallas Cowboys vs Chicago Bears: Five Things To Watch For

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Dallas Cowboys are coming off of a big win against the Washington Redskins. What should fans look out for in Week Three against the Chicago Bears?

Sep 18, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) runs out of the tunnel onto the field prior to the Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are coming off of a huge win against the Washington Redskins in their stadium. Dallas needed this win in the worst way as an 0-2 start basically dooms NFL teams (except for the 90’s Dallas Cowboys) to stay at home during the postseason.

Now not only have the Cowboys dealt a tremendous blow to the Redskins playoff chances they have cemented themselves as a competitive team without star quarterback Tony Romo. Without Romo this team has struggled and that is typically how it looks on the field however that has not been the case this season.

Now the Cowboys play with swagger and attitude that has not been seen without Tony Romo on the field in quite some time. In this article we will discuss five points to focus on with the Cowboys Week Three matchup with the Chicago Bears on the horizon.

#1. The Evolution of Dak

Another week, another lesson, that appears to be the mantra for rookie quarterback Dak Prescott. He learned from Week One, if you are close to the end zone, run it in yourself, and he did just that against Washington. This week he faces a defense that will likely be without starters Danny Trevathan and Lamarr Houston so there could be a lot of success to be had running the ball.

Prescott has yet to have his first NFL passing touchdown during the regular season however this could be a fantastic week to cross that off his to do list. If Dak continues to get better and better, how good will he be when Romo is finally ready to be back on the field?

Sep 18, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) carries the ball as Washington Redskins linebacker Mason Foster (54) chases in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

#2. The Evolution of the Run Game

Cowboys first round draft pick Ezekiel Elliott has finally had a solid game in the NFL as he saw some big production on the ground. Elliott did fumble twice however he is aware that losing the football is unacceptable. The Cowboys do not seem worried in Zeke’s running abilities and he should have the same workload as he did in Week Two.

Alfred Morris is clearly the experienced back in this rotation and has proven it time and time again. He was impressive against the Washington Redskins as he scored a touchdown against his former team. Morris showed his ability to lead this running game while Elliott gets situated to his role as lead back.

No matter how much the Cowboys run the football it never seems like enough as Lance Dunbar, Darius Jackson, and Rod Smith still do not see enough snaps to make a difference. Let’s also not forget Darren McFadden still has not seen the field and this is a top tier running back from a season ago. The Cowboys are seemingly set up to lean on the ground game for most of the season.

#3. Dez Bryant

The Cowboys star receiver Dez Bryant finally made his presence known during their Week Two battle with Washington. Bryant looked like the playmaker Cowboys fans remember while Romo was healthy.

It appears Bryant and rookie standout quarterback Dak Prescott have finally found some chemistry as they looked in sync during the second game of the regular season.

It will be interesting to see if the Chicago Bears can even handle the playmaking abilities of Bryant and the Cowboys receivers.

Sep 18, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Cole Beasley (11) runs after a catch as Washington Redskins free safety DeAngelo Hall (23) defends during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

#4. The Heart of the Dallas Defensive Unit

This defensive unit has a ton of heart and they put it on display in Week Two. The Cowboys forced turnovers and clogged passing lanes which is just not something we are used to seeing on a daily basis. It appears Rod Marinelli’s approach with this defense is finally coming together.

These guys are holding each other accountable and doing their jobs which is generating some big plays for Big D. If you look at the game tape between the Washington Redskins and the Pittsburgh Steelers it is clear the Steelers forced Kirk Cousins to make throws by keeping pressure on the run game and keeping wide receivers in front of them, that is exactly what Dallas did.

Now they will face a stumbling Chicago Bears team that does have some playmakers but may be without their starting quarterback in Jay Cutler. Byron Jones will most likely be in double coverage with the corner that will be placed on Alshon Jeffery.

#5. Can Cole Beasley be consistent?

Beasley is an interesting player. He has become somewhat of a Wes Welker type figure for the Cowboys. Even with a healthy Tony Romo, Beasley was turning heads as a capable third down option. Now he is coming off of one of the biggest games of his career.

Dak and Beasley have also shown a ton of chemistry together (except for Beasley’s dropped touchdown in Week One) and it appears that will continue. The fifth year wide receiver is the Cowboys primary slot receiver and if he can be consistent, could be one of the most productive wide receivers in the NFL, his ceiling is enormous.