Cowboys-Bears Game Preview
The pre-Micah Parsons revenge game is also the Matt Eberflus revenge game on Sunday against the Bears. Eberflus coached in Chicago for nearly three seasons before being let go. Now the Cowboys visit Soldier Field for the first time since 2019 with a chance to get a win for their defensive coordinator.
Dallas leads the all-time series 14-12 and has won three of the last four meetings. It’s the Cowboys’ first look at quarterback Caleb Williams, who is still looking for his footing in Year 2 in the NFL.
Five Things to Watch for in Cowboys-Bears
Here are five things to watch for in the upcoming game between the Cowboys and the Bears.
Pickens Draws Penalties
In two games, receiver George Pickens has eight catches for 98 yards and a touchdown. Out of 13 targets, Pickens has drawn three pass interference penalties, including two in the Week 2 victory over the New York Giants.
Pickens enters the Bears game as a marked man, especially if they double-team CeeDee Lamb as expected. “I get a lot [of satisfaction],” Pickens said of the pass interference calls. “Because I know if you don’t grab me, I’m definitely gonna catch it.”
The three penalties have come on long throws down the field in which Pickens was matched up one-on-one. “It’s not really an art,” he continued on drawing the calls. “I feel like when you’re more calm, because that’s kind of what I am, when I’m more calm when the ball is coming and the [cornerback] is panicking.”
Red Zone Success
Last season, the Cowboys finished 31st in the NFL by converting 46% of their red zone drives into touchdowns. This season after two weeks, the Cowboys have converted five of six red zone drives for scores. They have an 83.3% touchdown rate, third in the NFL. Only two NFL teams, Philadelphia and Chicago, have been perfect.
It’s a small sample size, but the Cowboys are averaging 15.5 yards per game and 3.4 yards per play in the red zone. The Cowboys have seen red zone touchdowns from running backs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. “That doesn’t mean that you’re not gonna be in situations where you have to throw it,” offensive coordinator Klayton Adams said.
Prescott’s Strong Start
Dak Prescott is off to a fast start. If he wins Sunday, he’ll tie Tony Romo (78 wins) with the third-most victories in franchise history. Prescott has completed 59 of 86 passes for 549 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, which can be disputed since the cornerback appeared to let the pass hit the ground.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) signals first down after keeping the ball ad running it in overtime New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, September 14, 2025. The play set up the winning field goal. The Cowboys won in overtime, 40-37.
Tom Fox / Staff Photographer
Prescott ranks fifth in the league in completion percentage above expected at 9.3%. He also has an 88.8 quarterback rating over two weeks, converting 75% of his third-down passes, which includes 11 going for first downs. One of Prescott’s better stretches to start the season came in 2019 when he completed 82.3% of his passes with seven touchdowns and one interception.
Defensive Snap Counts
The addition of Jadeveon Clowney to the defensive end group means several players might receive reduced snaps. It’s not guaranteed Clowney will play Sunday against the Bears, though he said he’s ready to go. Cowboys coaches have praised the work of backup James Houston, who in 23 snaps has a team-leading 16.7% pressure rate.
The Cowboys have a rotation at defensive end and start Sam Williams and Dante Fowler. The more Clowney plays, some snap counts will get reduced. On the first depth chart after the Clowney signing, Clowney was listed behind Fowler with rookie Donovan Ezeiruaku moved to the third team.
Windy (and Rainy?) City
This is the Cowboys’ first meeting with the Bears in Chicago since 2019 and the forecast for Sunday’s game calls for at least a 60% chance of rain in the afternoon and 10-15 mph winds. Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey is considered one of the better kickers in the NFL. In his last three outdoor games, he’s gone 5-for-7.
Special teams coordinator Nick Sorensen said the wind and the possible rainy conditions will factor into how far Aubrey might kick from, but that’s standard for any kicker in the league. Aubrey is 6-for-6 on the year with three of those made kicks coming from 50 or more yards. Against the Giants, Aubrey went 4-for-4, the eighth time in his career he’s made four or more field goals, which is the most in the NFL since he entered the league in 2023.
Conclusion
The Cowboys are looking to continue their winning streak as they face the Bears in Chicago. With a strong start from Dak Prescott and a solid defense, the Cowboys are poised to take on the Bears and come out on top. The game will be a challenge, but the Cowboys are ready to put in the work and come out with a win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator?
A: Matt Eberflus is the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator.
Q: Who is the Bears’ quarterback?
A: Caleb Williams is the Bears’ quarterback.
Q: What is the forecast for the game in Chicago?
A: The forecast calls for at least a 60% chance of rain in the afternoon and 10-15 mph winds.
Q: How many field goals has Brandon Aubrey made this season?
A: Brandon Aubrey is 6-for-6 on the year with three of those made kicks coming from 50 or more yards.
Q: What is Dak Prescott’s completion percentage above expected?
A: Dak Prescott ranks fifth in the league in completion percentage above expected at 9.3%.
