The Dallas Cowboys step into Soldier Field on September 21, 2025, looking to build on the momentum of their dramatic Week 2 win against the New York Giants, but they also arrive with several questions about consistency, identity, and leadership on both sides of the football. Dak Prescott remains the focal point of the Cowboys’ offense, and through the early weeks of the season he has shown improved efficiency, particularly in high-leverage moments where his poise has allowed Dallas to pull out close games. His chemistry with star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb continues to be the primary strength of the passing attack, but for Dallas to truly balance their offense, the running game must take on a more prominent role, especially against a Bears defense that has been vulnerable to runs between the tackles. Tony Pollard, who took on lead-back duties after Ezekiel Elliott’s departure years ago, has been serviceable, but the Cowboys need him to create chunk plays to alleviate pressure on Prescott and prevent defenses from keying in on the passing game. Defensively, Dallas remains a work in progress following the offseason trade of Micah Parsons, a move that stunned the football world and left a void in their pass rush. In his absence, the Cowboys are leaning on a rotation of younger players and veterans who must find ways to generate pressure and protect their secondary from being exposed, especially against a quarterback like Caleb Williams, who can extend plays and punish defenses with his improvisational skills.

The loss of Parsons also shifts responsibility onto leaders in the secondary like Trevon Diggs, who must take on greater accountability in making game-changing plays and keeping the defense opportunistic. Dallas has historically struggled at times against rookie quarterbacks who can play loose and aggressive, but their ability to disguise coverages and bait Williams into mistakes could swing this game in their favor. On the offensive line, Dallas must contend with a Bears front that, while still gelling, has shown flashes of getting into the backfield and creating disruption, meaning Prescott will need quick reads and decisive throws to prevent negative plays. Ultimately, this trip to Chicago provides the Cowboys with an opportunity to establish themselves as true contenders in the NFC by showing they can win convincingly against an opponent still trying to find its footing. The national spotlight will always be on Dallas regardless of their record, and this matchup will be no different, but for the Cowboys, the mission is simple: limit mistakes, avoid costly penalties, and leverage their superior talent to build an early lead that forces the Bears out of their comfort zone. If Prescott continues to play steady football and Dallas’s defense finds ways to create timely turnovers, the Cowboys should leave Soldier Field with a 3-0 record and greater confidence in their post-Parsons identity.