Bears Face Cowboys Amid Defensive Struggles and Injury Woes

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Chicago Bears, struggling defensively this season, face a tough challenge this Sunday as they take on the Dallas Cowboys. The Bears have allowed 79 points in just two games, the most in the NFL, including a 52-point debacle against the Detroit Lions last week.

With the Cowboys averaging 30 points and 392.5 yards per game, the Bears’ beleaguered defense will need to make significant improvements. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen acknowledged the team’s challenges, saying, “Really, 90 percent of the world doesn’t give a care about your problems. The other 10 percent are glad you got ’em.”

Injuries are compounding the Bears’ woes. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson is ruled out for the game, while linebacker T.J. Edwards is also uncertain after leaving last week’s game injured. The Bears’ defensive issues were evident against the Lions, where they allowed 511 total yards and had only three sacks and one takeaway in the first two games.

Veteran safety Kevin Byard III weighed in on the team’s struggles, stating, “A lot of the big plays that they had… was just miscommunication issues. It’s more about just going out there, making those plays and having better communication.”

Going into the game, Allen emphasized the need for the defense to pressure Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott to disrupt his rhythm. “Hopefully, we’ll have some looks that have him hold the ball a couple of extra counts and try to affect him that way,” he stated.

On the offensive side, tight ends Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland have underperformed, combining for just 72 yards this season despite a heavy usage rate. Coach Ben Johnson expressed a need to better incorporate the tight ends into the game plan moving forward.

Sunday’s game also marks a return for former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, now the defensive coordinator for the Cowboys. Eberflus’ previous stint has left a sour taste among Bears fans, and he will look to capitalize on his knowledge of the team’s intricacies to disrupt quarterback Caleb Williams.

With the Bears at 0-2 and injuries piling up, a win is crucial for the team, which hopes to avoid another disappointing performance in front of their home crowd at Soldier Field.

As Williams mentioned, “That’s a part of playing QB, a part of the game…One play at a time.”

Ultimately, this game will test not just the Bears’ defense but also their ability to adapt under pressure against a formidable opponent.