4 key stats that defined Bears' definitive win against Cowboys in Week 3

The Chicago Bears (1-2) picked up their first win of the Ben Johnson-era on Sunday with a dominant 31-14 over the visiting Dallas Cowboys (1-2).

The potentially season-altering win was a long time coming for the Bears, who entered week three with just one win over their last 13 outings. To learn exactly how the Bears were able to get in the victory column ahead of their week four road trip to face the Las Vegas Raiders (1-2) in week four, here are four stats that defined their week three performance:

135

Despite settling for a three-and-out on the first drive of the game, Caleb Williams and the Bears offense were nearly unstoppable in the first quarter, putting up 135 passing yards and 14 points.

After failing to score on their first drive of the game for the first time this season, the Bears' second drive of the game, which was set up by a Tyrique Stevenson fumble recovery, was capped off by a 35-yard passing touchdown to a wide-open Rome Odunze running down the sideline. The next time the Bears touched the field, Ben Johnson went to the bottom of his play-calling bag and called a flea-flicker to rookie Luther Burden III for a 65-yard touchdown.

Williams still has steps to take as an in-rhythm pocket passer, but the second-year quarterback started this game by flashing the big arm that fans and scouts alike heralded during the former Heisman Trophy winner's pre-draft process. The Bears kept their foot on the gas pedal and never looked back from their 14-3 lead after one frame.

19

While the offense's performance was highlighted by big plays and an ability to score quickly, the Bears' best possession came perhaps in the third quarter to the tune of a 19-play, 76-yard touchdown drive.

The drive, which chewed up just under 10 minutes of game clock, extended the team's lead to 17 points while essentially ending the third quarter. Headlined by 11 straight runs for 29 yards, the Bears offensive line helped to march the offense down the field, and Williams' ability to create separation inside the pocket led to the quarterback finding a wide-open D.J. Moore for his fourth passing touchdown of the contest.

The rushing attack still lacks consistent efficiency, but Johnson mixed in some creative calls by getting receivers Moore, Burden and Olamide Zaccheus carries throughout the game. The continued development of the rushing attack will only further develop the Bears' passing attack, but Sunday was a step in the right direction for the Bears' ability to run and carry out sustained scoring drives.

4

The offense played spectacularly against a struggling Cowboys defense, but it took a true team effort for the Bears, who forced four total turnovers from the Cowboys offense.

Stevenson got the ball rolling, almost literally, with his aforementioned fumble recovery on Dallas's first drive, but the Bears were able to tack on three interceptions, two from linebacker Tremaine Edmunds against Dak Prescott, and one by safety Kevin Byard against backup quarterback Joe Milton on the Cowboy's final possession.

Granted, at least two of these interceptions occurred when the game was already out of hand, and neither of Prescott's picks was particularly egregious (one ricocheted off receiver George Pickens' hands, and the other was a desperation pass on fourth and goal). Still, it was a good step in the right direction for a defense that created just one turnover in the previous two outings combined. If the defense can continue to get the ball back for their offense, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen may be able to overcome the injuries on the back-end that have plagued this unit thus far.

0

The defense played well beyond turning the ball over, allowing zero total points in the second half.

In fact, the Cowboys did not score for the final 38 minutes of the game after Prescott's only score of the game and the subsequent 2-point conversion to tie the game 14-14 in the second quarter. The Cowboys did get into scoring position with two fourth-quarter red-zone trips, but the Bears were able to turn them away without points to ensure their 17-point victory and a second-half shutout.

Read more: Ben Johnson says the quiet part out loud about Bears' win over Cowboys

In no uncertain way, this was a great way for the Bears defense to respond after allowing 52 points just a week ago. They were perhaps aided by the early injury to star receiver CeeDee Lamb, who was essentially unable to contribute at all this week, but the defense continues to fight through their own ailments in linebacker T.J. Edwards and slot cornerback Kyler Gordon. That does not even account for corner Jaylon Johnson, who may not rejoin this team this season, but when fully healthy, this defense may in fact be the aggressive and stingy unit that Allen hopes to lead.