The Dallas Cowboys (5-2) are currently 9.5-point favorites over the Chicago Bears (3-4). Despite the Bears dominating win versus the New England Patriots and QB Justin Fields's best performance of the 2022 season.

It's understandable. The Cowboys are at home and feature talented All Star-level talent in Micah Parsons, Trevon Diggs, Zack Martin, CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott. Who made his return to the lineup following a five-game absence.

The Cowboys feature the NFL's best pass rush and one of the best defenses in the game. With the return of their franchise quarterback, the offense is likely to elevate from functional to one of the better in the NFC.

However, the Bears are likely another trap game for Dallas. There are three key weaknesses on the defense that Chicago is set up to take advantage of.

Stopping the Run

It's no surprise the Cowboys defense struggles to stop the run. Especially in between the tackles. The main reason they went out and traded for nose tackle Johnathan Hankins.

Not only does the defense rank 30th in the NFL in run-stop win rate with a disgusting 28%, but they give up 4.3 yards per carry on the ground for the year.

The main reason this isn't more is because the Cowboys pass rush has been so effective it's created turnovers and ended drives, allowing the offense to burn the clock and put the game out of reach. Forcing teams to abandon the run.

Philadelphia and Tampa Bay were able to sustain the run throughout the game, and leave with a win. You don't think the NFL's number one rushing attack in Chicago isn't licking their chops for this opportunity?

Mobile Quarterbacks

To go along with the previous section, the Dallas Cowboys have shown susceptibility against mobile QBs.

Not just in keeping them in the pocket under pressure, but allowing them to escape and make plays. Through the air and on the ground. In fact, they allow the 11th most rushing yards to opposing QBs. Considering they haven't played Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen, it's a problem.

The Chicago Bears have over 400 yards of passing on the season from RPO and play action, via Pro Football Reference. Even when the Cowboys can play someone like Donovan Wilson in the 'spy' role, it has left a player open for opposing QBs.

Most of the time, it's who we'll discuss next.

Covering Tight Ends

We've talked about this in the past. The Cowboys defense really struggles in coverage against the TE. Even with players like Jayron Kearse, Leighton Vander Esch or Anthony Barr in coverage.

Through seven games, they’ve given up 56 targets, 40 receptions for 308 yards to opposing TE’s. Allowing an average of 7.7 yards per completion.

Often, opposing QB’s feel heavy pressure from the Cowboys pass rush, with an open TE. Many times the QB will also miss an open TE or even overthrow the player, leaving yards on the board.

Bears starting TE Cole Kmet is an area of concern on Dallas’s part. He is their second leading receiver and QB Justin Fields is starting to use him more and more.

If Chicago can obtain a passing game, it will definitely start here.

Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

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