Can the Cowboys Defensive Line Dominate the Bears This Weekend?

CHICAGO, IL — As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to face the Chicago Bears this weekend, all eyes are on the team’s defensive line. After a shaky start to the season, the Cowboys are looking for a dominant performance against the struggling Bears, who hold an 0-2 record.

The defensive line has had mixed results in the first two weeks of the season. Osa Odighizuwa has played 81 snaps with six tackles but no sacks, while Solomon Thomas has recorded 12 tackles in 53 snaps. Kenny Clark offers some hope with one sack from 86 snaps. This weekend, they will need to step up against a Bears offensive line that has performed reasonably well in terms of pressure allowed.

Chicago’s offensive line currently ranks sixth in Pass Block Win Rate (73%) and first in Run Block Win Rate (78%), yet they have still conceded a significant six sacks in just two games. This discrepancy highlights the Cowboys’ opportunity to target quarterback Caleb Williams and disrupt his rhythm.

Statistically, Dallas is performing well against the run, ranking fourth in Run Stop Win Rate (36%). The Clark and Odighizuwa duo has been instrumental in clogging running lanes. As the Bears lead the league in yards before contact, they also struggle with success rate in their run game. The Cowboys can leverage this weakness by maintaining their strong inside presence.

The game plan for the Cowboys will need to focus on keeping Williams contained in the pocket while applying pressure from the edges. Marshawn Kneeland and Sam Williams, who have each recorded multiple pressures this season, will play crucial roles. Additionally, the newly signed Jadeveon Clowney may provide an experienced boost on the edge.

Special attention will be required against Bears’ tackles. Darnell Wright has been effective on one side, while Braxton Jones has been more vulnerable, allowing seven pressures last week. Targeting Jones could disrupt any potential offensive strategy Chicago employs.

“It’s all about holding our gaps and allowing our linebackers to do their job,” Clark said. “If we can collapse the pocket, we can force mistakes from Caleb.”

As the defensive line prepares for the game, their focus remains on delivering a decisive performance. They have not appeared on the practice report, suggesting the unit is healthy ahead of the critical matchup.

The Cowboys cannot overlook the Bears as they prepare to face the Green Bay Packers next week. Every play will count this Sunday to ensure a victory.