Bears humiliate Cowboys at Soldier Field

In a complete redemption story at Soldier Field, the Chicago Bears erased the bad taste of their first two losses by trouncing the Dallas Cowboys 31-14 in Week 3 of the NFL, securing their first win of the season and a victorious debut for interim head coach Ben Johnson. Prodigal quarterback Caleb Williams looked like a seasoned veteran, throwing for 298 yards and four touchdowns to four different receivers, including a 101-yard bomb to Luther Burden III. Chicago's defense, depleted by injuries but inspired, forced three interceptions—two by Tremaine Edmunds—and a strip fumble by Tyrique Stevenson, limiting Dallas to just 289 total yards and sealing a blowout that exposed the Cowboys' (1-2) weaknesses. Dak Prescott struggled, completing 19 of 32 passes for 212 yards and two TDs, but three interceptions and CeeDee Lamb's early left ankle injury (out for the entire first quarter) dashed any hopes of a comeback. This blowout not only revitalizes the Bears in the NFC North, but also haunts Matt Eberflus—Chicago's former DC, now with Dallas—on his return to the stadium where he was fired.

The game was a Chicago offensive clinic from the opening kickoff: Williams connected with precision on passes to Rome Odunze (62 yards, 1 TD) and DJ Moore, while the running game chipped in 87 yards with D'Andre Swift. Dallas, relying on Prescott and a Javonte Williams who fumbled early, couldn't handle the pressure from Montez Sweat (2 sacks) and surrendered 385 total yards. The Cowboys scored their 14 points in the second quarter on passes to Jake Ferguson and Brandin Cooks, but Brandon Aubrey's 53-yard field goal was their only consolation on a nightmare day. Johnson, promoted after Eberflus' firing last week, called his team "championship-caliber" post-game, and Williams tied his career-high in TDs. For Mike McCarthy in Dallas, the alarm bells are ringing: can an offense without Lamb compete against Green Bay next week? The Bears (1-2) travel to Las Vegas with renewed momentum. In the NFL, victories like this transform doubts into dreams... or warnings for the fallen.

Quarter-by-Quarter Recap
First Quarter: Bears take early lead, Lamb goes down (7-0)
Chicago opened with a bang: after a strip fumble by Tyrique Stevenson on Javonte Williams, Williams orchestrated a 45-yard drive capped by a 12-yard TD pass to Rome Odunze. Dallas responded with a conservative drive, but Prescott threw an interception to Edmunds in the red zone. CeeDee Lamb injured his ankle on a run and went to the medical tent, not returning. The Bears dominated yards (92-58) and possession (7:22), with Williams 6/8 for 78 yards. Soldier Field was roaring, sensing an upset.

Second Quarter: Williams explodes, Cowboys rally (14-14 at halftime)
Showtime for Caleb! A 45-yard bomb to Luther Burden III sealed the second TD (14-0), but Dallas woke up: Prescott connected on a 28-yard pass to Jake Ferguson and another 18-yarder to Brandin Cooks to tie the game. Aubrey missed a 48-yard field goal, but nailed a 53-yarder before halftime. Williams added 112 yards in the quarter (9/12), while the Chicago defense forced another Prescott interception by Jaylon Johnson. Yards were even (CHI 168-142), but the Bears led in TDs and turnovers (2-0). Eberflus' return to Soldier Field was a powder keg. Third quarter: Bears defense stifles Cowboys, Williams extends lead (21-14)
Chicago took control: a 68-yard drive culminated in a 15-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore (21-7), and Edmunds intercepted his second pass of the game at midfield, setting up a Cairo Santos field goal (24-14 after an Aubrey response). Prescott struggled without Lamb (just 45 passing yards in the quarter), and Williams eluded sacks for 89 more yards. The Bears secondary, without three starters, shined, with Jaquan Brisker leading the way with four tackles. Possession: CHI 8:15 vs. DAL 6:45; the momentum was all blue and orange.

Fourth quarter: Chicago seals the deal (31-14)
The Bears sealed the victory: Williams threw his fourth touchdown, an 8-yard slant to Cole Kmet (31-14), and the defense forced a final three-and-out with a sack by Sweat. Dallas attempted a Hail Mary, but Kyler Gordon's coverage thwarted it. Williams finished the quarter perfectly (4/4, 19 yards), while Prescott added another interception, this time to Ja'Marr Chase (wait, no, to Edmunds). Chicago rotated in reserves, celebrating their 800th regular season win. The final whistle unleashed euphoria in Chicago, leaving Dallas with more questions than answers.