The Importance of a Win in Chicago for the Cowboys
The Cowboys are set to take on the Chicago Bears in Chicago on FOX’s America’s Game of the Week. After defeating the New York Giants in a shootout in Week Two that was won in overtime, the Cowboys are looking to build on the momentum of last week and go on a two-game win streak. It will be a challenging game, as the Bears are eager to secure their first win of the season after suffering defeats against the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions. A 0-3 start in the NFC North is detrimental to their playoff hopes. The Cowboys need this win just as badly to stay competitive in the NFC East and make it known that they are a contender in the NFC.
Both Dallas and Chicago have been dealing with injuries to the secondary, so this game is most likely going to end in a shootout. With Dak Prescott's confidence at an all-time high, his performance should be sufficient to keep the Cowboys competitive, regardless of how the Cowboys perform on defense. It is crucial for the Cowboys that this game does not mark the moment when Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams finally come into their own as an effective head coach-quarterback duo. If that happens, it could lead to a challenging day for the Dallas defense. The weather in Chicago is looking favorable, with a slight wind, an unusual occurrence for this time of year. These conditions could contribute to an exciting offensive game.
The Cowboys need this win not only because it will have them positively entering Week Four, but also because the opponent up next is a daunting one. Sunday Night Football: Micah Parsons and the Green Bay Packers head into Arlington for one of the most exciting matchups of the year as Parsons makes his return after the league-shaking trade. While Cowboys fans can be ambitious, Green Bay is looking like a Super Bowl contender, but even if they lose to the Packers, the next three are very winnable games, playing the Jets, Panthers, and Commanders. The upcoming games may be weeks away, but this creates a sense of urgency for the team to secure victories now and win the games they are expected to win. This way, when they face tougher opponents later, they can more readily accept potential losses. Green Bay will be tough, but the Cowboys need to win in Chicago first before thinking that far ahead in the future.
