4 bold predictions for the Cowboys vs. Bears Week 8 NFC battle

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys drops back to pass against outside linebacker Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears during the game at Soldier Field on December 05, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys drops back to pass against outside linebacker Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears during the game at Soldier Field on December 05, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 05: Damone Clark #LB10 of the Louisiana State Tigers runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 05, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 05: Damone Clark #LB10 of the Louisiana State Tigers runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 05, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

3. The Future is Now

This franchise isn’t one to shy away from players in the NFL Draft with injury history or concerns, and this year was no different with the selection of linebacker Damone Clark. This speedy and physical linebacker out of LSU is coming back from a major spinal procedure and has been with the team every step of the way, learning and working out on the sidelines.

Now, the Cowboys are designating him for return, which means he could be worked into the linebacker rotation as soon as this week against the Bears.

That means trouble for anyone hoping that the Cowboys’ defense could fall off at some point this season and should bring some much-needed speed to a linebacking core that has seen their best player at the position used a lot more in the pass rush schemes.

Clark has a similar game to Micah Parsons. He can rush the passer, drop back into coverage, and use his speed to keep up with tight ends and running backs. Plus, he’s another sideline-to-sideline player. Putting him in the lineup next to Parsons is going to be an issue once teams. Quinn can rotate both guys at pass rusher making it even more difficult to figure out what Parsons will do.

Dallas isn’t going to rush Clark but they are going to give him a taste of what is to come.

Game Prediction: Damone Clark registers 1 sack, 3 tackles, and 1 pass defense in his NFL debut.