Bears-Cowboys Preview

In a game that may eventually decide home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, the Bears host the Cowboys tonight on Sunday Night Football. All the talk has been about the high-octane Cowboys offense and the Bears' inability to score, but the Bears thrive on being doubted, and I expect a strong showing from the home team tonight under the lights. The offense finally gets rookie TE Greg Olsen in the lineup, and his size and speed should help draw defensive attention away from Bernard Berrian. Also look for Devin Hester to finally get his first touches on offense. Cedric Benson doesn't have to be spectacular, but he has to move the chains. I think this could be the game that defines Rex Grossman's career, his career in Chicago anyway. If he plays well and leads the Bears to victory, he might finally be on the right track. If he struggles again and the Bears lose, I think a move to Brian Griese might only be a week or two away. With all of his weapons available and a Cowboys secondary that has given up more TD passes than all but two teams, there is no reason for him not to succeed tonight as long as the offensive line and backs can pick up blitzes against the Cowboys' 3-4 front. The media can't wait to put Tony Romo in the Hall of Fame (some already have), but he hasn't seen a defense like this yet. The linebackers have joined the sack party now, with Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs each recording one last week against the Chiefs, and new defensive coordinator Bob Babich has this unit playing more aggressively than it ever has. Charles Tillman, a corner with above-average size, may be matched up one-on-one with Terrell Owens. The Bears also must keep an eye on TE Jason Witten, who is basically Romo's #2 target. People conveniently forget that Romo fumbled more times than Grossman did in fewer games last season, and if Romo starts running around too much, he may get hit and cough the ball up once or twice.

Bears 27, Cowboys 16