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‘This Defense Is So Horrible’: Stephen A. Smith Blasts Cowboys After Loss to Bears
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Following the Dallas Cowboys’ disappointing 31-14 loss to the Chicago Bears, Stephen A. Smith did not hold back in his criticism of the team’s defense. The team, who entered the game with high expectations, struggled to contain Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who threw for four touchdowns and commanded the field with ease.

This loss has intensified scrutiny on Dallas’ defensive unit, prompting Smith to label their performance as unacceptable. Smith’s analysis pointed to the evident flaws in the team’s defense, which allowed the Bears to score at will.


Dec 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) catches a pass against Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum (27) in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

He emphasized that the defense‘s inability to make crucial stops directly contributed to the team’s lackluster performance. With the team now sitting at 1-2, fans and analysts alike are questioning the effectiveness of the defensive strategies employed by the coaching staff.

The game revealed significant gaps in the Dallas’ defensive structure, particularly in their secondary. Despite having a roster filled with talent, the team’s defensive cohesion seemed lacking, leading to missed tackles and blown coverages. Smith’s blunt assessment resonated with many fans who expected a more resilient showing against a Bears team that had struggled in previous weeks.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones acknowledged the frustrations of the fanbase, emphasizing the need for adjustments moving forward. The recurring theme of defensive struggles has raised concerns about whether the coaching staff can rectify these issues in time for the critical games ahead. The upcoming matchup against the Green Bay Packers will be crucial for the team to regain its footing.

Stephen A. Smith Hits Dallas Cowboys for Their Week 3 Loss to the Chicago Bears


Sep 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Dallas recently got criticized by Smith for their Week 3 loss to the Bears. This can be seen in a video shared by the sport analyst’s official X account.

As the team prepares for their next challenge, the pressure mounts to improve on both sides of the ball. The Cowboys must find a way to harness their talent and translate it into effective game execution. If they fail to address these defensive shortcomings, the season could spiral further out of control.


Dec 9, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) reacts after a failed fourth down play against the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Smith’s scathing critique of Dallas’ defense underscores the urgency for improvement. With mounting pressure and an upcoming pivotal matchup, the Cowboys face a critical juncture in their season where adjustments are necessary for a turnaround. If the team fails to do so, the franchise may have to throw the towel and prepare for the next season instead.


Aug 16, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) warms up before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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