5 Chicago Bears who must step up to beat Dallas
The Chicago Bears will need a full team effort if they want to beat the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday
The Chicago Bears are still in the playoff hunt, albeit with slim odds. Still, a win on Thursday does nothing but increase their chances and the pressure on other NFC contenders. The team has rebounded to a losing streak and reeled off three of their last four.
Still, Dallas awaits as the toughest opponent of the previous five. They come in with playoff hopes as well and are going to show us just how much improvement the Bears have made in recent weeks.
Dallas has had struggles of their own in past weeks, but against New England and Buffalo, they have been tested much more than Chicago as well. The Bears are also banged up for this game, as the wear and tear of the season have dragged on.
If the Bears want to extend their season, they are going to need a full team effort. They are going to need impactful contributions from these five players.
5. Jesper Horsted
Horsted has been active in two games since Adam Shaheen and Trey Burton were both placed on the IR. Horsted has hardly taken the field, logging 11 snaps in the two games in which he has played. Still, he does have two receptions for 22 yards, including his first career touchdown.
We do not need to tell you how valuable tight end is to a Matt Nagy offense. The team has been missing that piece all year. If they can get Horsted up to speed, and in the game for more significant stats, it will have come at the exact right time.
Dallas is not terrible against tight ends, but do rank 17th in success rate. They can be exposed here. JP Holtz is a glorified full back, meaning if they do not get production from Horsted, it is unlikely to come at tight end. If Horsted can play more snaps and provide an impact it could help guide a win.