Déjà Vu in Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys faced a haunting reminder of their 2020 struggles with a 31-14 defeat to the Chicago Bears on Sunday. Fans who endured that painful season saw history repeat itself as Dak Prescott was once again left to carry the offensive burden, playing in a “hero ball” style while the defense crumbled against an opponent that had been underperforming.
Caleb Williams, the Bears’ quarterback, had a field day against the Cowboys’ secondary, throwing four touchdown passes without a single interception. He consistently found open receivers, exposing the vulnerabilities of Dallas’ defense. The Bears not only relied on explosive plays but also executed long, methodical drives, including a demoralizing 19-play sequence in the third quarter that consumed nearly ten minutes before ending with a touchdown.
Though Prescott’s performance included an impressive completion rate and a touchdown pass, two crucial interceptions proved detrimental, halting any momentum the offense had built. Tight end Jake Ferguson stood out with 13 receptions, showing grit and determination, but the absence of an impactful CeeDee Lamb, who was hampered by an ankle injury, limited the offense’s overall effectiveness. Ultimately, the Cowboys’ offensive efforts fell short against a defense that failed to register a single sack and appeared powerless throughout the game.
Scheme Out of Sync
Much of the Cowboys’ struggles can be attributed to a defensive scheme that seems ill-suited to the players’ strengths. Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus leaned heavily on zone coverages, despite the presence of cornerbacks who thrive in man-to-man situations. This mismatch resulted in blown assignments and wide-open receivers, allowing the Bears to capitalize with big plays that sustained their drives.
Trevon Diggs expressed the frustration felt within the locker room, stating, “We’ve got to eliminate the big plays. We’ve got to get stops, get off the field on third down. That’s pretty much it.” Team owner Jerry Jones mirrored this sentiment, emphasizing that “those big plays, on either side, will eventually take the heart out of you when you get a bunch of them.” Defensive lineman Kenny Clark added, “We just have to do a better job with that, and it’s just locking in with film. Playing fast, understanding what you’re going to get, and just holding each other accountable.”
Time for Change
For the Cowboys to steer clear of the pitfalls that plagued them during the 2020 season, urgent changes are necessary. This entails adjusting coverage schemes to align with the strengths of the personnel, finding innovative ways to generate pressure without star linebacker Micah Parsons, and enhancing situational defense, particularly in the red zone and on third downs.
While Prescott has demonstrated that he can keep the offense afloat, the defense’s persistent breakdowns pose a significant threat to the team’s prospects this season. Unless these issues are addressed, the Cowboys risk spiraling into another season marked by disappointment, leaving the echoes of 2020’s nightmares haunting them once more.
