Dallas, September 23, 2025
News Summary
The Dallas Cowboys fell to 1-2 after a 31-14 loss to the Chicago Bears, revealing significant defensive flaws and injury issues. Key players like CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott faced challenges as the team struggled with turnovers and explosive plays, highlighting communication problems on defense. Owner Jerry Jones remains hopeful about playoff chances despite the rough start, as the Cowboys prepare to face the Green Bay Packers next week amid significant roster changes.
Dallas — The Dallas Cowboys fell to a record of 1-2 after losing 31-14 to the Chicago Bears. The loss exposed multiple defensive problems, lingering injury concerns and turnover issues that now shape the team’s outlook heading into a high-profile matchup next week.
Key game and season takeaways
They were near the bottom of the NFL with only four sacks, tied for fifth worst in the league. The Cowboys are one of six teams without multiple takeaways through the first three weeks of the season. The team significantly weakened its defense by trading star pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.
In Sunday’s defeat, The Cowboys allowed 385 total yards and four passing touchdowns to second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. The club has also surrendered 15 plays of 20 yards or more this season, the second most in the league. These numbers reflect both a failure to contain explosive plays and a pass rush that has not compensated for recent personnel shifts.
Turnovers, big plays and special teams
The Cowboys are tied for last in turnover differential at minus-5, having only recorded one takeaway this season. As a result, Currently, the team’s defense is not generating turnovers nor pressures on opposing quarterbacks effectively. Special teams provided one of the few bright spots earlier in the season when Brandon Aubrey’s 64-yard field goal late in regulation against the Giants kept the Cowboys from being winless.
Offense and individual performances
Offensively, there were mixed results. Running back Javonte Williams started strong, rushing for 76 yards on 10 carries but had a crucial fumble. Tight end Jake Ferguson had a career-high 13 receptions for 82 yards, with a catch rate of 92.9%. Without a fully available receiving corps, Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott experienced difficulties without Lamb and threw two interceptions in the game.
Injuries and roster notes
Injury reports after the game created additional uncertainty. Star receiver CeeDee Lamb sprained his left ankle and is likely to be sidelined for several weeks due to a high ankle sprain. Defensive personnel also showed strain: Defensive tackle Kenny Clark might have a problematic ankle injury after the game; Trevon Diggs injured his shoulder but is expected to recover.
Coaching and management perspective
Coach Brian Schottenheimer acknowledged the need to stop giving up big plays and protect the football. From an ownership and roster-construction viewpoint, Owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic about the Cowboys’ playoff chances despite the rough start, citing Prescott’s presence. Jones also noted that Jones mentioned that the Cowboys could potentially utilize the extra draft picks from the Parsons trade to upgrade their defense. Front-office moves have shifted expectations for how quickly the defense can return to form.
Communication and execution issues
The club’s problems extend beyond personnel. The team is experiencing communication issues in the secondary and lack of execution on defense has been highlighted by several players. Those issues have contributed to a run of poor defensive outcomes, reflected in season totals and situational breakdowns.
Historical context and upcoming schedule
Historical context: Dallas has allowed 92 points through three games, the fourth most in franchise history and the same count that previously led to no playoff appearances. The immediate future features a notable matchup: The Cowboys are set to face the Packers next, with Parsons returning to AT&T Stadium for the game. That game will test the team’s adjustments after trading a key defensive player and will spotlight whether short-term roster changes have left the defense vulnerable.
Additional statistics at a glance
- Total yards allowed in the game: 385
- Passing touchdowns allowed to Caleb Williams: 4
- Season sacks: 4 (tied for fifth worst in the league)
- Plays allowed of 20+ yards this season: 15 (second most in the league)
- Turnover differential: minus-5 (tied for last)
FAQ
Q: What is the Cowboys’ record after the loss to the Bears?
A: The Dallas Cowboys fell to a record of 1-2 after losing 31-14 to the Chicago Bears.
Q: How many sacks do the Cowboys have this season?
A: They were near the bottom of the NFL with only four sacks, tied for fifth worst in the league.
Q: How many takeaways do the Cowboys have through three weeks?
A: The Cowboys are one of six teams without multiple takeaways through the first three weeks of the season.
Q: What major defensive move did the Cowboys make this offseason?
A: The team significantly weakened its defense by trading star pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.
Q: How did the Cowboys perform defensively against Caleb Williams?
A: The Cowboys allowed 385 total yards and four passing touchdowns to second-year quarterback Caleb Williams.
Q: How many big plays has Dallas allowed this season?
A: They have surrendered 15 plays of 20 yards or more this season, the second most in the league.
Q: Did special teams provide any notable plays this season?
A: Brandon Aubrey’s 64-yard field goal late in regulation against the Giants kept the Cowboys from being winless.
Q: What did the coaching staff identify as priorities?
A: Coach Brian Schottenheimer acknowledged the need to stop giving up big plays and protect the football.
Q: What happened with Javonte Williams in the game?
A: Running back Javonte Williams started strong, rushing for 76 yards on 10 carries but had a crucial fumble.
Q: What is the status of CeeDee Lamb?
A: Star receiver CeeDee Lamb sprained his left ankle and is likely to be sidelined for several weeks due to a high ankle sprain.
Q: How did Dak Prescott perform?
A: Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott experienced difficulties without Lamb and threw two interceptions in the game.
Q: Were there any standout offensive performances?
A: Tight end Jake Ferguson had a career-high 13 receptions for 82 yards, with a catch rate of 92.9%.
Q: What is the Cowboys’ turnover differential?
A: The Cowboys are tied for last in turnover differential at minus-5, having only recorded one takeaway this season.
Q: Is the defense generating turnovers or pressure?
A: Currently, the team’s defense is not generating turnovers nor pressures on opposing quarterbacks effectively.
Q: Were there other injuries?
A: Defensive tackle Kenny Clark might have a problematic ankle injury after the game; Trevon Diggs injured his shoulder but is expected to recover.
Q: What did ownership say about playoff chances and draft assets?
A: Owner Jerry Jones remains optimistic about the Cowboys’ playoff chances despite the rough start, citing Prescott’s presence. Jones mentioned that the Cowboys could potentially utilize the extra draft picks from the Parsons trade to upgrade their defense.
Q: Are there communication or execution problems on defense?
A: The team is experiencing communication issues in the secondary and lack of execution on defense has been highlighted by several players.
Q: How does the early-season points allowed compare historically?
A: Historical context: Dallas has allowed 92 points through three games, the fourth most in franchise history and the same count that previously led to no playoff appearances.
Q: Who is the Cowboys’ next opponent?
A: The Cowboys are set to face the Packers next, with Parsons returning to AT&T Stadium for the game.
Team snapshot
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Record | 1-2 |
| Last game score | 31-14 loss to the Chicago Bears |
| Total yards allowed | 385 |
| Passing TDs allowed to Caleb Williams | 4 |
| Sacks this season | 4 (tied for fifth worst in the league) |
| Plays of 20+ yards allowed | 15 (second most in the league) |
| Turnover differential | minus-5 (tied for last) |
| Notable injury | CeeDee Lamb sprained his left ankle (high ankle sprain) |
| Next opponent | Green Bay Packers (Micah Parsons returning to AT&T Stadium) |
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Additional Resources
- CBS Sports: Jerry Jones Believes Cowboys Can Be a Playoff Team in 2025
- Dallas Cowboys: Defensive Struggles and Injury Notes from Week 3 Loss
- ESPN: Cowboys Coach Brian Schottenheimer Discusses Bears Loss
- AtoZ Sports: Brian Schottenheimer on Cowboys’ Defensive Woes
- Heavy: Stephen Jones Discusses Defensive Trades
- Wikipedia: Dallas Cowboys
- Google Search: Dallas Cowboys News
- Google Scholar: Dallas Cowboys Defense
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas Cowboys
- Google News: Dallas Cowboys
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