Chicago Bears @ Dallas Cowboys – Week 8 Game Preview: Overview, Keys to Game, Insights
The Bears (3-4) played by far the best game of the season when they handily defeated a heavily favored New England Patriots team on the road Monday night. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy finally called some designed running plays for quarterback Justin Fields and the unit sprung to life to compliment another excellent defensive effort in a 33-14 win.
Chicago faces and even stiffer challenge against the stifling defense of the Dallas Cowboys (5-2), who they travel to face this Sunday. Mike McCarthy’s team allows just 14.9 points a game, second best in the NFL. They have a league leading 29 sacks, including, eight from all-world linebacker Micah Parsons.
Dallas has been much better against the pass than against the run so far in 2022. They have seven interceptions so far and All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs has three of them.
Quarterback Dak Prescott missed five weeks with a thumb injury and the Cowboys offense has struggled as a result, averaging just 19.1 points a game. He returned last Sunday against the Lions and was very rusty in a 24-6 victory. Running back Tony Pollard has been good so far this year and will get more carries with starter Ezekiel Elliott missing time with a knee injury.
This is going to be a difficult task for Chicago even with a confidence boost after the Patriots victory. It’s going to take another total team effort to achieve a similar result. This game will help determine if last week’s success was just a trick or if Bears fans are in for an unexpected treat this season.
Where to Watch/Listen
- Sunday, October 30 at 12:00pm CT on FOX, WBBM Radio (English), and WRTO Radio (Spanish).
Keys to Victory
Here are my keys to Sunday’s game. If these things happen, the Bears should have a shot to win.
- Focus on quick passes and quarterback runs to neutralize the pass rush. An injury to center Lucas Patrick has forced the Bears to shuffle the offensive line yet again. They need to protect Justin Fields from a truly terrifying Cowboys front seven by giving him easy quick decisions like against the Patriots.
- Dallas is vulnerable against the run so stay committed to the ground game. David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert both had very good games on Monday night and need to touch the ball a lot on Sunday.
- Keep forcing turnovers especially interceptions with the Bears outstanding secondary. Chicago forced three interceptions against New England and should try to take advantage of a possibly still rusty Dak Prescott.
- Get out of the gate quickly again. Matt Eberflus’ squad had a quick start Monday after several bad first quarters during their three-game losing streak. The Bears defense clearly thrives when playing ahead and being able to rush the passer.
Don’t Tell Me the Odds
The Cowboys are 9.5 point favorites heading into Sunday’s contest and the line barely moved after the Bears upset victory. The over/under of 42.5 anticipates a low-scoring game.
It’s Football Weather
AT&T Stadium in Arlington is a dome with a climate controlled temperature of 72 degrees.
My Prediction
The Bears certainly surprised everyone with their effort last game but I don’t think a repeat is likely against such a strong team. The defense will keep it close but Fields and the offense will be shut down by Dallas who will take home a 19-13 win.
Official Bears Preview
Here are Bears analysts Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer with their preview of the Bears’ upcoming Week 8 matchup.
