Week 6 boom: Justin Fields – MISS
Week 6 bust: Kyler Gordon – MEH
Coming off their most promising game of the season, the Chicago Bears travel to Dallas to play a 5-2 Cowboys team. Once again heavy underdogs, the Bears should be a strong candidate to cover the spread and possibly challenge the Cowboys more than expected. Dallas’ dominating defense could pose some problems for Justin Fields and the offense, but some defensive players could shine.
Boom: Eddie Jackson
The trading of Robert Quinn has resulted in very little established talent on the Bears’ defense, leaving Roquan Smith and Eddie Jackson as the only former Pro Bowlers. Jackson has regressed since his first two years in the league, but he has performed much better in 2022, leaving some optimism regarding his future. With the departure of Quinn, Jackson must serve as a leader on this defense and create plays to aid a struggling offense. This matchup against the Cowboys is a perfect opportunity to do just that. In his two starts, Dak Prescott has been concerningly inaccurate, which is heightened by his right thumb injury. His frequent errant throws have often been overthrows, which fares well for Jackson. If Prescott’s inaccuracy continues, Jackson could see multiple opportunities to come away with interceptions due to overthrows or tipped passes. In a game in which the Bears are outmatched in terms of talent, they must come away with opportunistic turnovers.
Bust: Justin Fields
Justin Fields posted his best game of the season in Week 7, but this week may be entirely different. Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn’s defense has been spectacular through seven weeks, particularly in rushing the passer. The Cowboys’ 29 sacks is five more than any other team, which is concerning for the Bears who have allowed more sacks than any other team. Despite Fields’ success last week, his right tackle Larry Borom was outmatched by Matthew Judon, who collected 2.5 sacks. This week, Borom will battle against arguably the best defensive player in the league, Micah Parsons, who should be able to add to his eight sack total. Fields has mightily struggled when his pocket quickly collapses, and he may be forced to rely on his legs more than his arm. The Cowboys’ secondary has also been stellar, allowing the third lowest yards per pass attempt and only six touchdowns to seven interceptions. The passing game could very well be completely shut down, resulting in a miserable passing performance by Fields once again.
