The Cowboys have a big opportunity Monday night to get a victory and head into their bye week with a 3-1 record. Standing in the way will be the Chicago Bears, who are also at 2-1 and looking to stay in first place in the NFC North with the surprising Vikings.

While it will be hard to top the dramatics of last week’s Monday Night Football game between the Packers and Seahawks, this one should be entertaining as well.

From the Cowboys’ perspective, let’s look at five things worth watching:

1. Replacing Spencer: Outside linebacker Anthony Spencer is not expected to play Monday night, although he’s questionable on the injury report with a shoulder injury and has missed all week of practice. Victor Butler will likely start. While he is a good pass rusher, look for the Bears to test his run-stopping skills early and often.

2. New punter: With Chris Jones sidelined with a knee injury, the Cowboys added veteran Brian Moorman this week. Moorman’s first test will be against Chicago’s Devin Hester, arguably the best return specialist of all time. Moorman struggled in three games with Buffalo this year, ranking 30th in net average at 32.7 yards per punt. Moorman will also serve as the holder for Dan Bailey on place-kicks.

3. Safety watch: Losing Barry Church (torn Achilles) for the season is a big blow to the Cowboys’ No. 1 ranked defense. However, the team is used to changes at safety. Gerald Sesnabaugh missed last week with a calf strain but is back this week, alongside Danny McCray, who makes his second start. The Cowboys surprisingly cut their only healthy backup safety in Mana Silva this week and signed veteran Eric Frampton. Don’t be surprised if cornerbacks Brandon Carr and/or Orlando Scandrick get a few reps at safety in nickel situations.

4. Carr vs. Marshall: Last week, the Cowboys were able to effectively match up Brandon Carr against Vincent Jackson in the win over Tampa Bay. Carr knew Jackson well when both played in the AFC West. And the same goes for Marshall, a former Bronco whom Carr has seen several times. At 6-0, 210, Carr has the size to be physical with Marshall, who is Jay Cutler’s favorite target. Let’s see if Carr shadows him all over the field.

5. Witten bounces back? Tight end Jason Witten doesn’t know much about slumps. He’s been the most consistent player the Cowboys have had for 10 seasons. The last two games, while he’s still recovering from a lacerated spleen injury that has him wearing a flak jacket, Witten has struggled with six drops. Witten vowed to correct the issues and expects to make a turnaround this week. Chicago’s "Tampa 2" defense could have some holes in the middle of the field, a spot Witten usually roams. Bet the Cowboys will try to get him involved early to get his confidence going again.

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