Dallas Cowboys vs Chicago Bears: Standouts, Notes, and Observations

By Reid Hanson | Sep 26, 2016

Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs during a timeout from the game against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

The Dallas Cowboys beat down the Chicago Bears, offering up plenty of positives along the way. Here are game three’s standouts, notes, and observations.

The Dallas Cowboys rolled over the Chicago Bears 31-17 on Sunday Night Football to improve to 2-1 and break their eight-game losing streak at home in Dallas. The rookie tandem Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott continued their assent in Dallas Cowboys lore and had arguably their best games as pros.

Things are starting to clear up around Dallas right now, and while it’s only week three, and this was against the hapless Bears, it’s a victory worth celebrating. Here are this week’s standouts, notes, and observations…

The Dallas Cowboys use of the coaches challenge is always a curious endeavor. Dallas was having no issues moving the ball and after a long completion to Jason Witten to put them in 1^st and goal at the 12 inch line, the Cowboys opt to challenge looking for the TD. Challenges should be used in critical game-changing situations, not seemingly pointless calls. After losing the challenge, the Cowboys went on to score a TD on the first play.

Before getting injured, OG La’el Collins’ run-blocking was strong — Especially on the move. Sadly, he was plastered a couple times in pass-protection that dominated the attention of SNF. I still think Collins’ future is at right tackle but he’s going to have to become more consistent as a pass-protector because the consequences on the edge are direr than at guard.

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Jason Witten was redeeming himself as blocker, looking brilliant in pass protection. Unfortunately, as a run blocker, Witten looks slow to the point of attack. I haven’t watched and graded the All-22 coaches film yet, but this looks like three straight games with a negative blocking grade for Wit.

Is it me or does injured QB Kellen Moore look more like one of Jerry Jones’ grandsons patrolling the sideline than an NFL player?

DE Benson Mayowa doesn’t appear to be using many pass-rush moves anymore. Instead, he’s pinning his ears back and racing to the edge. Diversity of moves is what makes a DE effective so it’s not all that puzzling to see why Mayowa is struggling.

Surprised to see how little the defensive line used stunts to generate their pass-rush. We knew they weren’t going to blitz much but they generally played the Bears straight-up with no frills on Sunday night.

Rookie CB Anthony Brown seemed to have an excellent night playing in the slot. He wasn’t targeted much and rarely allowed much daylight between him and Eddie Royal. I’m looking forward to watching the coaches film on him tomorrow.

Next: Cole Beasley is a Dangerous Weapon, If Used Correctly

I was pleasantly surprised with Chaz Green. He had the holding call in pass-protection in the 1^st quarter. But considering how long he had to protect on that play, it’s excusable in his first NFL start. Later he had a holding call late in the fourth quarter. But the play was inconsequential since the Cowboys were stopped short and punting anyway. Like I said earlier, I expect La’el Collins to be Doug Free’s successor at RT but Chaz Green seemingly offers another viable solution. BUT we need to keep in mind this is one game against a winless team.

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