How the Dallas Cowboys stack up against NFC contenders

Chicago Bears

2022 Points Per Game: 19.2 (23rd)
2022 Points Per Game Against 27.2 (32nd)
Key Offseason Additions: WR DJ Moore, DE Yannick Ngakoue, LB Tremaine Edmunds, RB D'Onta, Foreman, LB T.J. Edwards, G Nate Davis, T Darnell Wright, CB Tyrique Stevenson

Cowboys Advantage - Receivers vs. Secondary

You would think the Cowboys' advantage would be in the running game against a team that was the worst in the league last year at stopping the run, but you'd be wrong. The Bears have re-tooled the linebacking group and that should help them there, where they are still vulnerable is in the secondary. They did use a day-two pick on a cornerback but that isn't going to be enough for them to slow down the Cowboys passing game. This is a matchup where you can see both Lamb and Cooks having big games thanks to their route running.

That skill will allow Prescott to pick apart the defense and force the linebackers to hesitate more often, opening up the running game for Pollard and company to pick up the tough yards and keep the chains moving.

Cowboys Vulnerability - Run-Pass Options Plays

This team has always had a problem stopping running quarterbacks and the Bears have the best in the league in Justin Fields. Last season Fields ran for 80 yards and a touchdown against the Cowboys a game in which his legs really kept them in the game until halftime. If Dallas is going to be able to beat this team they are going to have to figure out a way to slow Fields without bringing a safety into the box to keep an eye on him because the Bears' addition of DJ Moore gives them another threat in the passing game.

They have to figure out the Bears' run-pass option game and shut it down early in order to throw Fields off his game and force him to beat them with his arm where they have more of an advantage in the secondary.

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