UPDATE: The Chicago Bears secured their first victory of the season with a commanding 31-14 win over the Dallas Cowboys on September 21, 2025. Quarterback Caleb Williams showcased his talent, throwing for 298 yards and four touchdowns, including a stunning 65-yard flea-flicker to rookie receiver Luther Burden III. This victory elevates the Bears to 1-2 as they prepare for a crucial matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders (1-2) this Sunday.
The Bears’ performance raises urgent questions about their potential moving forward. Tribune Bears reporters Brad Biggs, Sean Hammond, and Phil Thompson delve into five pressing issues facing the team after this pivotal Week 3 win.
**1. Can the Bears’ offensive success be trusted?**
Biggs highlights that while the Bears excelled offensively, they may have capitalized on a struggling Cowboys defense. “The Bears played really well with Williams taking a step forward,” he said, noting their efficiency in critical situations. Hammond cautions that in hindsight, this game could reflect the Cowboys’ defensive weaknesses, further emphasizing the need for the Bears to build on this momentum.
**2. What did Williams’ performance reveal?**
Williams displayed significant improvement, demonstrating better footwork and decision-making. His ability to remain calm under pressure was evident, particularly during the flea-flicker touchdown. “The most encouraging thing is you’ve seen growth over the last two weeks,” Thompson stated, indicating a promising trend for the young quarterback.
**3. Is the defensive line’s pass rush a concern?**
Despite the win, questions linger about the Bears’ pass rush, which ranks 29th in pressure rate. Hammond warns that the lack of pressure could be problematic against stronger offenses. “While it’s not time to panic, it is cause for concern,” he cautioned, signaling the need for improvement as the season progresses.
**4. Has Rome Odunze officially claimed the WR1 spot?**
Odunze’s performance raises eyebrows as he becomes a focal point in the Bears’ offense. Biggs points out that Odunze has emerged as a primary target, showing impressive skills throughout training camp. “As of now, I don’t know how you can say Odunze isn’t WR1,” Hammond asserts, reinforcing his growing significance within the team.
**5. How will the secondary cope without Jaylon Johnson?**
With star cornerback Jaylon Johnson sidelined, the Bears’ secondary faces scrutiny. Biggs notes this will be a week-to-week challenge, while Hammond stresses the impact of missing key players like CeeDee Lamb on the Cowboys’ side. “The sooner Gordon returns, the better,” he remarked, highlighting the urgency for reinforcements.
As the Bears look to build on their victory, fans and analysts alike will closely monitor these developments. The upcoming game against the Raiders will be crucial for both teams, with implications for their seasons ahead.
Stay tuned for updates on the Bears’ progress as they aim to turn this victory into a winning streak.
