Week Two Preview: Chicago Bears Vs. Dallas Cowboys

This week the Cowboys will try to rectify their week one performance and have a mistake free week two against the Chicago Bears who got off to a good start with a victory over the Detroit Lions. 

The Chicago Bears beat the Lions last week, but not without making their fair share of mistakes. Jay Cutler (23-35, 372 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT) had a good game in week one but will have his work cut out for him this week.

The Bears offensive line gave up four sacks against the Lions offensive line, which means that Cutler will have to get the ball out quickly as the Cowboys defensive line is among the league's best at getting pressure. The Bears might throw a lot of slants and quick routes if the Cowboys try to be too aggressive. 

Jonny Knox and Devin Aromashodu will have to bring their A game. They both had good games last week and both are underrated, which works in their favor. Also Matt Forte was a huge factor in the passing game last week; expect him to be again this week as the Bears will use screens to offset the Cowboys rush.

The Bears struggled to get their running game moving last week, which could happen again this week. Expect the Bears to try to throw some new looks at the Cowboys defense, including draws and pitches to the outside to try to move their offensive line out in space.

The Bears defense will have a huge test ahead of them as the Cowboys and Jason Garrett will want to show the world they can move the ball and score. It doesn't help that they've been hit by the injury bug, especially at linebacker. 

Hunter Hillenmeyer (concussion) was put on IR during the preseason and Lance Briggs (ankle) has not practiced yet this week. Brian Urlacher is healthy however and you can bet that the Bears will blitz him a lot, he's also solid in pass coverage and could have his hands full with Jason Witten.

Julius Peppers showed last week that he's still can get to the quarterback so you can expect the Bears to move him around and try to get a mismatch, especially if Marc Colombo can't go and Alex Barron starts.

The Bears gave up just 20 yards rushing last week, but they have to prepare themselves for the Cowboys screens and pulls, otherwise they could see a big run from the Cowboys. 

The secondary for the Bears is an experienced unit, with three guys who have at least five years in the league. The Bears don't press much, but you can expect them to give Romo some different looks and try to get him to make a mistake. They did a good job last week on Calvin Johnson fighting him in the air for the ball.

Safety Danieal Manning is always waiting to return an interception and isn't afraid to throw his body around in the run game. 

The Cowboys will want to turn things around in their home opener after shooting themselves in the foot last week.  

Tony Romo moved the ball well in week 1, but wasn't able to put many points. This week expect the Cowboys to take more deep shots as they threw a lot of quick passes in the first half. Miles Austin had a great game in week 1 and the chemistry between him and Romo is better than ever. 

Romo could have his starting offensive line back this week as Colombo and Kyle Kosier practiced most of the week. If they do play it would go a long way towards Jason Garrett opening up the passing game. 

Dez Bryant also had a solid game in his first professional outing. While a few of his catches were for no gain, him and Romo have a solid rapport and it's evident that they'll keep calling Bryant's number. Expect the Cowboys to use him a lot in the passing game.

Marion Barber and Felix Jones combined for 77 yards last week and will share the ball again. Look for the Cowboys to run Jones to the outside pulling the offensive lineman, especially Doug Free, who unlike Flozell Adams can move to the outside well. 

Barber will get a lot of the draw plays so he can use his toughness at the second level and possibly the third level running through the safeties. 

The Cowboys defense gave up yards, but only six points as a unit, which was overshadowed by penalties and mistakes by the offense. 

Defensively the Cowboys will want to get through the Bears inexperienced offensive line and create havoc for Jay Cutler. Look for the front seven to do shut down the run early and force the bears to pass.

Bradie James and Keith Brooking will be vital to the run game. They were the top tacklers last week, but didn't get through the Redskins line much, instead making tackles at the second level; they'll try to change that this week.

The secondary played well last week especially in the red zone. If the front seven can get some pressure on Cutler there will be opportunities for turnovers. Mike Jenkins led the Cowboys in interceptions last season, so you can expect him to be looking for a shot at the ball.

Alan Ball played well in his first start of the season, even throwing his body in the run game. Ball and Gerald Sensabaugh are a solid tandem at the safety position and Ball could also get a shot at a INT as he's a known ball hawk.

Fantasy Player: Cowboys Defense.

The Cowboys defense might give up a lot of yards but they don't give up a lot of points, and the Bears were blessed last week having to face the Lions. Expect the Cowboys to come after Cutler, a lot. If you're in a player defense league, picking up Anthony Spencer or DeMarcus Ware isn't a bad idea (if they're still available) If they're not Victor Butler should be and he'll see more plays with Ware not 100%.

If it's a team defense take the Cowboys. They're not big on turnovers, but they do get a lot of sacks and the Lions had four last week, the Cowboys should at least duplicate that and they could grab an interception or two. If they don't do any of that, they still won't give up a ton of points.