cowboys @ bears
Two teams try to bounce back from disappointing losses in Thursday Night Football as the Dallas Cowboys (8-4) visit Chicago to take on the Bears (5-7) to kick off week 14. If previous form is anything to worry about then this is a potential danger game for the Cowboys. Their December form is some of the worst in league history and they will need to turn things around if they are going to keep up with the division leading Eagles.
They need to start by improving on defense. Currently, Dallas ranks 22nd in total yards allowed, giving up 364.1 yards per game. Though this defense has improved thanks to the continued excellence of linebackers JJ Wilcox and Rolando McClain (123 tackles combined) and Safety Barry Church (2 interceptions), they are still giving up far too many yards, allowing teams to get into scoring position. Having given up points on the opposing teams opening drive the last 3 weeks, this defense needs a good start.
Their offense is a different story. In previous years Dallas has been guilty of being a pass heavy offence. With the emergence of MVP candidate DeMarco Murray (1427 rushing yards) this team has added a new threat to the likes of Jason Witten and Dez Bryant. But the man who leads this offense is Tony Romo (pictured top). He seems to have recovered somewhat from his back issues from late last season to throw for 2718 yards and 22 touchdowns with a QB rating of 106.2, his best rating in several seasons.
Much the same can be said of this Chicago Bears team. Their defense was once one of the best in the league but it has dropped off dramatically
this season, especially the pass defense. This team ranks 30th in the league for pass yards allowed, giving up an average of 270.7 per game. All this despite the play of rookie cornerback Kyle Fuller, who is in contention for Defensive rookie of the year honours with 3 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles.
Offensively, this team is just as bad, averaging only 340.1 yards per game (20th) and only scoring 21 points per game on average. Matt Forte has again been the standout player on this offense. The running back is on course for another 1000 yard rushing season and could top over 2000 all-purpose yards for the season (currently sits on 1478). Wide receivers Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall have also had good seasons combining to score 15 touchdowns between them.
This game is going to be a good one and I can smell an upset. Chicago have the offensive power to beat Dallas and I believe that December Tony Romo may poke his head out.
CHICAGO by 6.
Jason Barbin