Three keys for Bears against Cowboys

1. Fast out of gate

The Bears allowed a 75-yard TD pass by Detroit's David Blough last Thursday, the third time in the past five games surrendering points on their opening drive. Another poor start defensively could create a slippery slope for an offense that rarely does damage early in games and can't afford to become one-dimensional vs. Dallas' dangerous pass rush. Big plays have been the common denominator, so being sound assignment-wise from the get-go is crucial. Bear in mind, it'd been two months prior to last week since the Cowboys shut out an opponent in the first quarter, so perhaps the Bears offense can build on its rare but crisp opening-drive execution last week.

2. Sustain drives

The Cowboys' goal behind a powerful O-line and star back is to wear defenses out, something we saw Oakland, New Orleans and Philadelphia do to the Bears. Though the Bears' ‘D' has mostly performed yeoman's work without Akiem Hicks and Danny Trevathan, it'll need more help from the offense in the biggest game of the season. And the best way to make that happen is staying ahead of the chains by avoiding the mental miscues and lost individual battles that have too often short-circuited the Bears.

3. Take Trubisky there

Matt Nagy must be at his best calling plays designed to maintain Trubisky's confidence and solid recent play. Help out the uneven quarterback and up-and-down O-line by moving the pocket. Make the Cowboys' talented linebackers think twice with play action and window dressing. Slow the pass rush with a consistent run and quick game through the air on the heels of an electrifying outing from David Montgomery by making him, not Trubisky, the focal point until the Cowboys prove they can stop him. And as Mark Helfrich pointed out this week, someone other than Allen Robinson has to consistently produce.