The Dallas Cowboys look to get over .500 this week with a win over the Chicago Bears. So far, the offense has held up their end of the deal for the Cowboys, while it’s been start and stop for the Bears. Let’s look at some key names for both teams on that side of the ball.
Brock Hoffman, OC, Cowboys
An obvious but important name, Hoffman will be key in making sure that Dak Prescott has enough time to pick apart what’s been a weak Chicago secondary. With Cooper Beebe out long term, getting off on the right foot on Sunday will be important for setting the tone during this stretch.
Brevyn Spann-Ford, TE, Cowboys
Spann-Ford has excelled in one very key area so far, albeit in limited snaps: through two weeks, he has an elite 92.8 run blocking grade. One way to help the offensive line’s pass blocking is by running the ball effectively enough to keep the defense honest.
Through two weeks, Dallas has done just that, with Javonte Williams looking rejuvenated in the early going. BSF could, and should, play a large part in that trend continuing.
Colston Loveland, TE, Bears
Teams usually begin to struggle when they start thinking that they're the smartest guys in the room. That is exactly what the Bears did when they drafted Loveland in the spring.
Loveland was a fine prospect coming out of Notre Dame, but it was widely accepted and agreed upon that Penn State’s Tyler Warren was the best player at the position in this class. Chicago seemingly disagreed, picking Loveland No. 10 overall while Warren went to Indianapolis four picks later.
So far, that decision is looking regrettable for the Bears. While Warren has recorded 11 catches for 155 so far this season, Loveland has struggled to the tune of two catches for 12 yards, including no catches this past week.
If Chicago wants to get on track this week, Loveland will likely have to be more involved.
Braxton Jones, OT, Bears
Jones has been a solid to very good player so far in his three year career, finishing no worse than No. 34 out of 81 at his position according to PFF. That’s why his struggles so far this year have been surprising.
Through two weeks, he’s recorded a 51.0 overall grade, including a 50.8 pass blocking mark. For a Cowboys pass rush that’s struggled to get consistent pressure, this could be an opportunity to take advantage of a struggling vet.
As we can see, this is a game that will ultimately be won in the trenches. While that’s really the case for every game in this league, it’s especially relevant for two teams that have struggled to protect their franchise quarterbacks consistently.