Are you ready for Bears vs. Cowboys?
By Cheryl Raye-Stout

Are you ready for Bears vs. Cowboys?
By Cheryl Raye-Stout
It seems rather odd, but tonight will be only the second time the Bears and Dallas Cowboys will meet for Monday Night Football. Both are storybook franchises and much is expected of them. The spotlight of this nationally televised game will be extremely bright and every positive and negative will be seen. Since it is the only game on the schedule, the next day loser will get picked apart like the turkey after Thanksgiving.
To that end, there are similarities: Both teams have highly scrutinized quarterbacks, with Jay Cutler for Chicago and Eastern Illinois product Tony Romo for Dallas. Each is considered a “franchise-type” player, however, neither have produced a win where it matters — at the Super Bowl. Right now the two teams’ records are 2-1, after opening with a strong offense in the first game these clubs limped along in the next two.

Like the Cowboys, the Bears defense has been the team’s strength; the play of the defensive line has paid dividends. Opposing quarterbacks and their offensive lines have gotten plenty of pressure. Up the middle with the Bears tackles, including second year lineman Stephen Paea they have done their job. ”We have depth in our defensive line, whoever is in there you have to show up,” he said. Tonight they will have a good challenge with Dallas quarterback Tony Romo. Paea said he is a difficult quarterback to sack. “He won’t let you take him down, and he’ll roll out look for his receivers and extend the play,” said Paea. His favorite targets on offense are wide receiver Dez Bryant and tight end Jason Witten. The Bears secondary play has been balanced by the team’s play up front. If the Bears are unable to contain Romo, cornerbacks Tim Jennings and Charles Tillman will be dealing with some one-on-one situations.

Tonight after the initial pleasantries between the players and officials before kickoff it will be down to business for the Bears and Cowboys and back to normal, where the referees take control, know the rules and will not botch a final play… we hope.