The Dallas Cowboys arrive at Soldier Field this Sunday for a Week 3 matchup that carries equal weight for correcting their own mistakes and confronting the Chicago Bears. According to team sources, Dallas knows its defense must eliminate communication lapses and prevent big plays, the very breakdowns that have allowed opponents to move the ball with alarming ease.
Kicker Brandon Aubrey was named the league’s Special Teams Player of the Week following Sunday’s wild Week 2 overtime win against the rival New York Giants. Down 37-34 in the final seconds of regulation, Dallas called upon Aubrey to attempt a 64-yard field goal to send the game into overtime. He delivered, becoming the first player in NFL history to hit a field goal as time expired in both regulation and overtime.
ESPN’s NFL Week 2 “Himmy” Award Went to Kicker Brandon Aubrey
Fans cast votes for ESPN’s NFL Week 2 “Himmy” Award, which resulted in Aubrey receiving 37% of the vote, followed by Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff at 28%, New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers at 22%, and San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner at 13%.
On receiving the award, Aubrey said:
“I’m him… He’s naked. Thank you, Thank you fans. Couldn’t do it without these two (Trent Sieg and Bryan Anger), so I guess we are him.”
Defensively, DT Solomon Thomas will return to his hometown of Chicago this week and take on a leadership role in Dallas’ front seven. Before stepping into a louder, more vocal role, he said:
“Like finding, making sure you’re inserting yourself calmly, but assertively, but also like not rubbing anyone the wrong way,” Thomas said. “Like, you want to make sure, like, you come in, and you are, you lead by example first, before you start talking.”
On offense, the Cowboys plan to lean on their playmakers, but the central focus is on containing Chicago rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Sources note that Williams is particularly dangerous when escaping the pocket and using his legs. If Williams exceeds 45 rushing yards, the Bears could gain a critical advantage, forcing Dallas to play catch-up rather than dictate the tempo. The matchup is expected to be physical, with Chicago at home and desperate to secure a season-defining win.
Matt Eberflus Will Return to Chicago
Matt Eberflus, Dallas’ defensive coordinator, will return to Chicago in Week 3 to face his former team, the winless Bears (0-2), who are still reeling after surrendering a 50-point loss to the Lions last week. The Bears’ offense is “out of sync” while their defense remains vulnerable, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal “get right” game for the Cowboys, per analysts. Though Dallas has its own challenges, having allowed 450 passing yards last week, the focus will be on exploiting Chicago’s weakened secondary.
The Bears’ defense has been severely hampered by injuries and a lack of pressure, recording 13 total pressures through two games. Eight defensive players appear on the Week 3 injury report, with five already ruled out. Among the Cowboys, QB Dak Prescott and wide receiver George Pickens are poised for a major impact. Prescott could thrive against Chicago’s very susceptible secondary, missing star cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon.
For the Bears, running back DeAndre Swift, whose availability remains questionable, and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter will be crucial.
Main Image: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
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