Dissecting Most Crucial Matchups in Chicago Bears’ Week 14 Contest with Cowboys
Published by Ross Read on December 2, 2014
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Pride is on the line for the Chicago Bears as they face the Dallas Cowboys at home in a second straight Thursday night game for both teams. In order for the Bears to win, they are going to have to win the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
The Cowboys come into this game second in the league in rushing yards and fifth in rushing attempts. Running back DeMarco Murray is having a career year, but much credit goes to the guys in front of him.
Second-year center Travis Frederick has anchored the Cowboys offensive line and is leading the fan vote at center for the Pro Bowl.
It’s up to Bears defensive tackle Stephen Paea to continue his strong season and disrupt Fredrick and his ability to secure the middle of the line.
Paea will look to get off the football quickly and force the Cowboys to bring a guard to help. If he can push Frederick into the backfield on multiple occasions, then the Bears have a good shot of slowing Murray on the cold Soldier Field grass.
On the other side of the ball, the Bears must commit to running the football again with Matt Forte. In order to spring him free, they have to utilize their best offensive lineman, guard Kyle Long.
In the loss to the Detroit Lions, Long was the lone bright spot in slowing down Pro Bowl defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh.
The Cowboys run a base 4-3, with middle linebacker Rolando McClain having a resurgent season after stepping away from the game for a year.
Long’s athleticism can be utilized on misdirection and pull plays to get to the second level and put a hat on McClain. If Forte can get to the third level with Long taking out McClain, then he can have a huge day and help pace this troubled offense.
Finally, rookie Kyle Fuller gets another tough test. After getting burned by Lions receiver Calvin Johnson, he has to go up against star receiver Dez Bryant.
Bryant brings a physical aspect to the position unlike most in the league. Fuller is going to have to knuckle up and play Bryant tough or he will body his way to inside receptions and big yards after the catch.
Fuller can’t allow those big cushions he’s been prone to concede this season. If Bryant catches the ball and Fuller is three yards away, Bryant will use his speed and strength to bully his way down the field.
With seven losses, the Bears are likely out of the playoff race, but that doesn’t mean they can’t play spoiler. If they win these key matchups, then they can contribute to panic in Dallas and hang their hats on that late in the season.
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