Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys: Week 3 Preview

Week 3 represents a gigantic game of importance for both the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.

For one team it might be their last hope to get a win before they fade too far out of the playoff picture. For the other a loss could be crippling to their efforts to stay in the hunt for the division. It might seem silly since it’s so early in the season, but both teams know slow starts are often the death of seasons in the NFL.

Background:

Two teams that are beset by a laundry list of injuries. The difference is the Cowboys are 1-1 and the Bears are 0-2. That may seem trivial but it can mean everything in the NFC playoff race. Dallas is trying to overcome their woes at home while keeping pace with New York and Philadelphia. Chicago is just trying to figure out what their biggest problem is before it’s too late.

Injury Updates:

Jay Cutler (thumb) – After leaving Monday Night Football with an injured thumb, Cutler appeared at practice with a brace on his hand. Word is he’s doing everything possible to rehab the strain and is pressing the coaches to let him play. Though his courage is admirable, he likely won’t suit up.

Orlando Scandrick (hamstring) – It’s not like the Cowboys defense can afford anymore losses. Already without two key pass rushers, they once again may not have Scandrick who is one of their best corners. He’s dealing with not one but two hamstring injuries. This makes it most unlikely that he’ll play in the game.

Key Matchup:

Bears defensive line vs. Cowboys offensive line

If the game is going to be decided anywhere, it will be here. The Cowboys have the best offensive line in football. Almost everybody agrees on that point. Meanwhile the Bears defensive line just lost its best player in nose tackle Eddie Goldman to a high ankle sprain. This doesn’t even account for the losses of Lamarr Houston and Pernell McPhee. It’s difficult to see how the Bears will be able to adjust without so many key guys.

Prediction:  Cowboys win 35-17

Given how the Bears have played lately and how banged up their defense has become, it feels like this will be a big week for the Cowboys offense. They’ll control the line of scrimmage from the start while Rod Marinelli does enough to frustrate a directionless Chicago offense.