NFL Week Four Picks & Predictions: Cowboys vs. Bears (Part Two)
Every week of the NFL regular season, we ask all of The Landry Hat writers and contributors to submit their picks and predictions for the upcoming Dallas Cowboy game. This week, we asked our experts for their predictions for the Monday Night game between our Cowboys and the Chicago Bears. To see part one of this story, click here.
Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) hands the football off to running back Matt Forte (22) during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE
Todd Toombs, Senior Writer: This prime time Monday night matchup between the Cowboys and Bears on paper at least should be easy to predict. The Cowboys defense ranks #2 in the NFL against the pass while the Bears offense is near the bottom of the league at #28 through the air. The Bears will likely have Matt Forte back for this game and it will be up to Rob Ryan to try and improve his defense’s run play. The Cowboys #1 overall defense is the 19th ranked rush defense while the Bears rank #13 in rushing (without Forte for the majority of that time). If they can’t stop the run, it will be a long night for the Cowboys. The Cowboy’s offense (ranked #13 in passing and #29 in rushing) will be going up against the Bears 6th ranked defense (#6 in both rushing and passing). So, it certainly feels like the Cowboys will struggle in this game to move the ball and score points. I think we have to hope the defense can create some turnovers and maybe score some points on their own. This will be a low scoring, close game. Because it is at home, I think the Cowboys find a way to scratch out another ugly win. But, I’m hopeful at best from what we’ve seen so far this season. Cowboys 17, Bears 16.
Jeff Federspiel, Staff Writer: The Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears, both 2-1, have had very similar successes and struggles this season. Both have had Top 10 defenses so far, but have been limited by the ineffectiveness of their respective offensive units. With injuries limiting both of Chicago’s primary Running Backs, I expect this game to stay on script as a defensive battle. In the end, Tony Romo will make fewer mistakes than Jay Cutler, ultimately winning the game for the Cowboys. Prediction: Cowboys 17 – Bears 10
Michael Huff, Staff Writer: Cowboys offensive line still struggles, after all, there was no consistency with the line in training camp and they are trying to learn new blocking schemes. But DeMarco Murray has a better day running the ball and Tony Romo gets just enough time to find open receivers. Cowboys defense makes life hard for Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears offense. Cowboys 21, Bears 13.
Joe Owens, Staff Writer: The Dallas Cowboys are coming into Monday night’s match-up against the Chicago Bears #1 in yards allowed at 250 per game and 7th in points allowed. In the last outing versus the Bears Jay Cutler threw 3 TD’s leaving the game with a 136.7 QB rating, granted that was against a Dallas secondary that was one of the worst in the league.
Both offensive lines have issues and Chicago leads the league in sacks with 14 and is tied for 2nd in the NFL with 6 interceptions and Tony Romo has thrown one in each game this season. The Cowboys have surrendered 7 sacks, tying them for 6th along with 10.3 penalties per game so far this season.
The key to the game will be the composure of Jay Cutler. If the Cowboys can rattle him early then its a win for the Cowboys but the Cowboys are facing another tough defense for the third week in a row and I have a feeling that it’s going to take it’s toll. 23 Chicago, 20 Dallas
Tonni Shook, Senior Writer: Dallas Cowboys squeaked out a win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last weekend and I expect much the same vs the Chicago Bears Monday night. The offense is anemic, and other than Dan Bailey, Cowboys kicker, just can’t seem to throw together a perfect game….pun intended. I see this game as another nail-biter, with a battle of consistency between Tony Romo and Jay Cutler. Dallas Cowboys win, “bearly”, 17 – Chicago Bears, 10.
Artie Cappello, Senior Writer: These teams, the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears, are very similar in a couple ways. Both teams have playoff aspirations with talented players at key skill positions. Both have terrible offensive lines that are getting their respective QBs killed. The difference in this game, to me, is which QB gets killed less. I hope it’s ours. Dallas 28 – Chicago 21
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