Grading the Bears performance against the Cowboys
Quarterback: B-
Justin Fields made some impressive throws and also ran eight times for 60 yards and a touchdown. It would have been a much bigger day, however, if he didn't underthrow Equanimeous St. Brown on the game's first play, and if Velus Jones Jr. didn't drop a long pass at the 5-yard line.
Running backs: B
When a team gets 174 yards from scrimmage from its top two running backs you figure they'd get an A. But David Montgomery's third-quarter fumble turned into a touchdown for the Cowboys and basically sealed the Bears' fate.
Receivers: C
Kudos to N'Keal Harry and Cole Kmet for their first touchdowns since 2020. Darnell Mooney (5 catches, 70 yards) had a nice game as well. On the downside: A pass interference call on Dante Pettis basically ruined the first drive; Velus Jones Jr. dropped a long pass late in the first half. The Bears eventually scored, but that ball must be caught.
Offensive line: A-
With injuries piling up, Riley Reiff, Michael Schofield and Sam Mustipher have come up big the last couple of weeks and kept the offense afloat. This unit paved the way to 240 rushing yards against Dallas, marking the first time the Bears have run for 200-plus yards in three straight games since 1968.
Defensive line: F
Robert Quinn's absence was felt early and often Sunday as the Cowboys racked up 280 yards on their first four drives and raced out to a 28-7 lead. Armon Watts, Dominique Robinson, Trevis Gipson, Angelo Blackson and the rest of this unit can't play like this the rest of the way or offenses are going to make the Bears look silly.
Linebackers: F
Roquan Smith was utterly invisible, while Nicolas Morrow made a play or two but was otherwise also MIA. Dallas RB Tony Pollard scored 3 TDs while running for 131 yards on just 14 carries; Dak Prescott embarrassed everyone with a 25-yard run on a quarterback sneak; and TE Dalton Schultz hauled in 6 catches for 74 yards.
Defensive backs: C
We'll give this unit a passing grade thanks to some decent play by Eddie Jackson (interception, 11 tackles) and Jaquan Brisker (9 tackles). Brisker, however, played too soft on Cee Dee Lamb's 21-yard TD reception that made it 14-0 in the first quarter.
Special teams: B
Not much happened here, but it was impressive to see Cairo Santos force Dallas to take 4 touchbacks on kickoffs. Trenton Gill averaged 50.8 yards on 4 punts with a long of 62.
Coaching: B-
Loved the decision by Matt Eberflus to go for fourth-and-1 from the 45-yard line late in first half. The Bears were down 28-7 and a punt would have sent a terrible message. Instead, David Montgomery picked up a first down and the Bears stayed in the game. One thing I didn't love: The decision to go for 2 points after Khalil Herbert's TD run made it 28-23 early in the third quarter. Whatever 2-point card Eberflus is holding should be tossed in the shredder.