Chicago Bears: What to watch for in Sunday’s matchup vs Cowboys

Sunday’s matchup between the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys is one that can be a strong turning point in the early season for the Bears and start a march towards climbing the standings and becoming a powerhouse in the NFC.

The 5-2 Cowboys are putting their trust in 2016 4th-round draftee, Dak Prescott, who is supposed to play in his second game back from an early season hand injury. Dak’s step-in, Cooper Rush, led the Cowboys to four wins and one loss in Prescott’s absence.

In that span, “America’s Team” held their opponents to less than 20 points in each game. The Cowboys’ defense has manhandled offensive lines which is a common issue for the Bears, posting a combined 29 sacks in their seven games played this season.

Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy appears to have begun to trust Justin Fields to throw the ball and he has done so efficiently by throwing for over 1,000 yards with just 5 INTs and just as many touchdowns.

The Chicago Bears have an opportunity to have a big game against a good team.

The Cowboys’ secondary, led by Trevon Diggs will be a strong foe for Fields and a great test for passing the ball.

Fields’ playmaking ability, mixed with his ability to efficiently throw the ball when trusted to, poses a problem for the Cowboys’ defense and will be an important aspect of the game.

Averaging 149.7 rush yards allowed per game, the Bears defense will have their hands full with running back tandem Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott, as well as dual-threat Prescott. Together, the three have combined for 823 yards rushing.

The Bears’ secondary will need to be staunch against the passing game, find ways to neutralize CeeDee Lamb and prevent Prescott from putting the ball in the air for big gains.

Altogether, the Bears will have their work cut out for them from whistle to whistle for all 60 minutes on Sunday.

If all goes well, both the Vikings and the Packers face harder foes and the Bears can come out of this week in the NFC North as a top team in their division.