Staley Da Bear
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- Mar 16, 2019
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Bears CB Kyle Fuller vs. Cowboys WR Amari Cooper
Fuller continues to be a force on the outside for the Bears. Not only has he been the team’s best weapon in pass coverage, but his ability as a tackler has shown through in the past few weeks. He recorded six solo tackles against the Lions, including a third-and-goal shoestring tackle on running back JD McKissic that saved a touchdown.
This week, Fuller will face off against Cooper, the Cowboys leading receiver. Cooper has had a season of peaks and valleys this year. In Week 5, Cooper had 11 catches for 226 yards and a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers. Two weeks ago, the New England Patriots held him without a single reception.
Due to their time spent in the AFC West, Nagy said that he knows not to underestimate Cooper.
“I’ve had the unfortunate familiarity of going against him for years and years in Kansas City,” said Nagy. “I’ve seen him have some good games at times but he’s a guy that can win the one-on-one matchup, he has great hands, he’s smart and he’s a football player.”
Fuller can’t be expected to deny Cooper all day, but if he can be held in check, the Bears’ defense will have a chance to turn Thursday night into a statement game for the rest of the season.
Bears LT Charles Leno Jr. vs. Cowboys DE Robert Quinn
With quarterback Mitchell Trubisky finding a rhythm against the Lions, the Bears offense will face off against a very good defensive front, which boasts five former Pro Bowlers as a part of its rotation.
“Every o-line gets beat by these guys,” said offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich, “every quarterback gets sacked by these guys, gets hit by these guys and you have to weather that storm.”
Quinn is leading the way with 9.5 sacks and is well on his way to his best season since his 2013 All-Pro effort with the Rams.
The Bears’ offensive line only gave up one sack last week and was able to avoid some of the drive-crushing penalties that plagued the team early in the season. With Bobby Massie's status unknown for Thursday, Leno will face more pressure to step up as a veteran leader and secure his side of the line.