The Chicago Bears (6-6) return to Soldier Field looking to extend their winning streak to three games as they host the Dallas Cowboys (6-6) on Thursday Night Football.
While this season has been anything but a success, the Bears are still gearing up for a late-season playoff push in the month of December, which wasn’t something many were thinking after the Bears sat at 3-5.
But if the Bears want to have any hope of a playoff berth, they’re going to need to start by taking care of business against the Cowboys.
Here are four storylines to watch as the Bears face the Rams on Sunday:
1. Can the Bears keep their playoff hopes alive?
Considering how this season has unfolded, the fact that the Bears are playing meaningful football in December is encouraging. But if the Bears are going to make a playoff push, they’re going to need to essentially win out in their final four games. That starts Thursday against the Cowboys.
Chicago will face a struggling Dallas team that is also fighting for a playoff spot — only they’re fighting to win the NFC East over the Philadelphia Eagles. So the Cowboys have plenty to play for, even after they were embarrassed on Thanksgiving against the Buffalo Bills.
While the Bears need plenty of help for any hope at the playoffs, they also have to take care of business. You could argue that the .500 Cowboys are the easiest remaining opponent for the Bears, who will also battle three teams with winning records on track for the playoffs in the Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings.
2. Can the Bears offense replicate its up-tempo success?
The Bears offense has no doubt been the biggest letdown in what’s been a disappointing 2019 season. But for the first time all season, the Bears offense was operating efficiently last Thursday against the Detroit Lions. They got solid play out of their quarterback, run game, receivers, tight end, offensive line and play calling.
If the Bears are going to have any chance against the Cowboys, they’re going to need more of the same from their offense. While Chicago’s defense has been the staple of this team this season, they’re going to have their own challenge against Dallas’ offense.
Matt Nagy needs to stick with what works for his offense — the up-tempo play, utilizing Mitchell Trubisky’s mobility, committing to the run game and just letting his players go out there and ball.
3. Can Mitchell Trubisky replicate his string of strong performances against better competition?
Ultimately whether the Bears offense finds success falls on the shoulders — or right arm — of Mitchell Trubisky. Trubisky has found success over the last four games, including his best game of the season on Thanksgiving against the Lions.
While his stats were impressive — 29/38 for 338 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception — it was his execution of the offense that was most reassuring. He went through his progressions — including finding Jesper Horsted and David Montgomery for second-half touchdowns where they weren’t the first read. It was his ability to lead the Bears on a nine-play, 90-yard game-winning scoring drive, where he hit Anthony Miller for two deep third-down conversions.
The Cowboys defense isn’t the Lions defense, but Trubisky has been playing with a newfound confidence now that Nagy has rediscovered what works for his quarterback. And if he’s smart, he’s going to stick with it.
4. How will the Bears defense fare against Cowboys WRs without CB Prince Amukamara?
The Bears defense faces a tall order against the Cowboys offense, and it won’t get easier with the likely loss of cornerback Prince Amukamara, who is doubtful for Thursday’s game with a hamstring injury.
That means it’s second-year cornerback Kevin Toliver as the next man up. Considering the talented receiving corp the Bears will face, it’s definitely concerning. While Dallas’ offense hasn’t lived up to expectations over the last two games, they have an opportunity to exploit Chicago’s weakness in the secondary.
The Bears will need the front seven to step up and pressure quarterback Dak Prescott and contain running back Ezekiel Elliott, and they’ll certainly have the cold weather on their side at Soldier Field.
