Alright, alright, alright! It’s Sunday, September 25, 2016 and that means it’s time for the Dallas Cowboys to take on the Chicago Bears, well… most of them.
The Chicago Bears will likely be without their starting quarterback, Jay Cutler tonight as Brian Hoyer steps up for injured Cutler. It’s not certain, unless you’re asking the national media about it, but the Bears are generally pretty beat up right now. Most are questionable, like stud wide-out Alshon Jeffery who was limited this week, but only LB Danny Trevathan is listed as out for Chicago.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys will be without the same players they’ve missed all year: Tony Romo and Charles Tapper, both out.
It’s been a rookie spectacle in Dallas this year, and our front two rookies, Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott are looking to improve upon previous performances tonight. Prescott has done well, although he has yet to throw a touchdown pass this regular season, but not making a big mistake (like tossing his first INT) is probably just as crucial to him pulling out another solid performance.
Elliott, though, had a rough outing last week. After laying the ball on the ground twice against the Redskins, he was pulled for the final minutes of the game in favor of the sure-handed Alfred Morris.
So let’s take a look at what the staff expect to see tonight.
Brian Martin (Cowboys 28 – Bears 13)
I think the Dallas Cowboys take full advantage of the fact that the Chicago Bears are beat up on both sides of the ball. I think this will be the first game we see Ezekiel Elliott dominate in the running game. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doubles his season total of 134 rushing yards.
Follow Brian on Twitter at @bmart0204
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Kevin Brady (Cowboys 34 – Bears 21)
After struggling to score in the red zone and take over the game during the first two weeks, the Cowboys finally put it all together. They continue their trend of dominating the time of possession, but by converting for touchdowns inside the 20, pull away early and never look back. Brian Hoyer also gives Dallas at least two interceptions, solidifying the victory.
Follow Kevin on Twitter at @KevinBrady88
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Ian Koplowitz (Cowboys 27 – Bears 14)
It’s good for us the Bears are missing so many players. Still, though, this defense has been suspect and hasn’t seemed to find a groove. I expect Brian Hoyer’s veteran knowledge will come in handy, and allow the Bears to put up a couple scores. Having said that, I look for this to be the week Dak Prescott finally gets his passing touchdowns on the stat sheet, and for Zeke Elliott to get rolling. I think our offense will get into a rhythm early and be able to ride it to a comfortable win.
Follow Ian on Twitter at @BleedingTheStar
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Jess Haynie (Cowboys 23 – Bears 17)
Brian Hoyer is experienced and won’t make Jay Cutler mistakes. Chicago will be more effective on offense than people are predicting, but ultimately won’t have the firepower to keep up.
Follow Jess on Twitter at @CowboysAddicts
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Sean Martin (Cowboys 38 – Bears 17)
The consensus around Cowboys Nation right now seems to be that this team will either blow past the Bears, or fall to them in a “trap game.” As far as I’m concerned, there is no such thing as a trap game when you’re starting a rookie QB against such a depleted Chicago team. Dak Prescott will be focused and ready as always, and so will Ezekiel Elliott, Dez Bryant, and this offensive line, as Dallas gets to 2-1 on the season.
Follow Sean on Twitter at @ShoreSportsNJ
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John Williams (Cowboys 31 – Bears 14)
The Dallas Cowboys will continue their bend-don’t-break defensive effort this week and earn their first blow-out win of the season. Dak Prescott not only throws his first touchdown pass, but has his first three touchdown game, while Ezekiel Elliott has his first 100 yard game.
Follow John on Twitter at @john9williams
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Justin Grohowski (Cowboys 34 – Bears 17)
The Chicago Bears are looking like the worst team in the NFC. Take away Jay Cutler and Danny Trevathan, and things are sure to get even uglier this Sunday Night in Big D. For the Dallas offense, it will be a game of firsts. Ezekiel Elliott will eclipse 100 yards rushing, Dez Bryant gets in the end-zone, and Dak Prescott tosses his first touchdown pass of his career, and then some. Alshon Jeffery gets his, but Chicago has no firepower on offense to keep up. Expect the Dallas offensive line to dominate a weak Bears front all night long.
Follow Justin on Twitter at @grohowknowhow
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Bryson Treece (Cowboys 27 – Bears 20)
The Cowboys are a young team. It’s a welcome change from the past two decades, but it’s a struggle they must face each week. They’re getting better, more comfortable, with each other and the timing of the game, but they still need to really close out a game. I expect to see touchdown passes tonight, not just runs, and I expect Ezekiel Elliott to get another chance at cracking the 100-yard mark.
Follow Bryson on Twitter at @BrysonTreece
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Once again, it’s the offensive line and rookies, Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott taking the spotlight, and they’ll be center stage all evening in Dallas, too.
If you have a moment, tell us your predictions via the comments below and, as always, GO COWBOYS!!!
