Thoughts on Cowboys Victory Over Bears

The Cowboys hosted a severely depleted Bears team, and were able to do what was expected. The offense was able to put together some solid drives that ended with TDs, something that has been a bit difficult in previous games. This was a nice win.

Let’s go over the good and bad from the matchup–

The Good

• Dak Prescott threw his 1st touchdown pass of the regular season to Dez Bryant. He also ran one in for a TD.
• Ezekiel Elliott broke the century mark by putting up 140 yards on 30 carries including 2o yards on 2 receptions.
• Red zone efficiency was 100%
• The defense forced two turnovers
• The Cowboys broke their home losing streak
• The Cowboys are winning without Tony Romo
• The running game put the Cowboys in some favorable down and distances especially early in the game. The Cowboys converted 5/11 third downs
• Cole Beasley continues to be Dak’s favorite target. Beasley led the team with 7 catches
• Ryan Davis made his debut on a few plays, and actually looked like he was getting close and had some pressure. I imagine the Cowboys will continue to work him in
• Maliek Collins is getting more and more like the 3-tech Marinelli has wanted.
• Morris Claiborne did a very nice job against Alshon Jeffery and Kevin White. He’s become the top CB in the secondary.
• The defense got the Bears off the field on 3rd downs. The Bears only converted 2/10
• Run defense was solid, keeping the Bears to 73 yards.

The Bad

• No sacks from the defense
• La’el Collins sprained his foot, and could miss some time
• Terrance Williams is consistently inconsistent. Two gaffs in recent weeks, he’s not doing anything to convince the Cowboys that he deserves a second contract.
• Chaz Green offensive penalties. I think he did an ok job against a depleted Bears dline, but the penalties keep coming. He had the same issue in the preseason and now again in the regular season. Hopefully Smith returns next week.
• Byron Jones had some good plays, but he also gave up two TDs to Zach Miller. Jordan Reed the week before gave Jones some issues as well. I think this whole notion that he will shutdown tight ends is nonsense.

Other Thoughts

Good thing we have kept Ron Leary, he could see more playing time depending on the severity of La’el Collins foot sprain.

Chaz Green has potential, he hold his own against the Bears, so maybe the Cowboys have something there with Green, but the penalties have to go away.

I wonder where Tyrone Crawford goes once Demarcus Lawrence returns. Will he end up being his backup and a rotational player?

When the Cowboys offensive line dictates the game, we’re going to win games. The Cowboys owned the time of possession battle, but this time they came away with touchdowns.

Next: @49ers

What are your thoughts on the game? What was good and what was not so good?