I haven't heard anything about Darwin Walker not playing, where did you get that info?
I know that Tommie Harris hasn't practiced all week with a hamstring injury and is listed as Questionable. The Bears need him to play and play well.
T-New did some light running and is going to be a game time decision, so who knows how much of an impact he'll have if any. If he's out there he'll be a target, they will run at him and pass on him to see if he is all there.
Bears RT Fred Miller is listed as Questionable but said he's fine.
Bears C Olin Kreutz did not practice this week with an ankle injury but appears likely to play. I think that Kreutz is a big key to the game, especially considering the Cowboys are thin up the middle in the 3-4 with Fergie out and Ratliff in. The Bears have to be able to run the ball to win which is quite possible.
Another player to keep an eye on is Bears TE Greg Olsen, he hasn't seen the field yet but reports from Bears camp really emphasized his surprising speed. He could settle Rex down somewhat, it's unlikely but Rex has played extremely well at times because of the players around him making plays with their speed. He's hit or miss so any time other players can make plays it really makes him look much better.
The Cowboys do have a good defense when healthy, but they aren't healthy. I've heard that they plan on not kicking to Hester, but what is that going to cost them in terms of general field position? If he's not returning anything will they get him the ball offensively?
Offensively the Cowboys have depth problems at WR, but they do still have T.O. I don't know if the Bears will put Charles Tillman on him all game or not. Tillman is not a household name, but he's a solid corner who has played well matched up against elite WRs in the past.
Will the Cowboys be able to run the ball consistently or are the Bears just going to take that away like they did to LT?
I think that Chicago will be able to hold Jones and Barber in check pretty well, so it's going to come down to Romo making plays against an elite defense. Rex could play great or play like crap regardless of how good the Cowboys defense is, Benson/Peterson/Wolfe just need to run north and south and not fumble. I think Romo has to play great for Dallas to win, Rex just has to not play horrible. That is kind of a coin flip though.
It is worth discussing whether or not Griese plays. It is a possible move, but Lovie Smith has been patient with Rex. Is this a big enough game to cost Rex his job? It might just be, but it remains to be seen how stubborn Lovie is. I think that if he's come this far with Rex he probably will continue to do so, because obviously Griese is no Steve Young.
Football is won and lost in the trenches, so Harris & Kreutz are big keys in my view. I like the Bears d-line over the Cowboys o-line, and I like the Bears o-line over the Cowboys front 3. Assuming Kreutz, Harris, and Walker all play. The team that runs the ball and stops the run usually wins.
exactly
