Tony Romo was picked off by Lance Briggs on this play, one of many mistakes by the Cowboys' offense that led to a convincing Bears victory on Monday Night Football. (AP)

The Cowboys wasted a golden opportunity to head into the bye week with a 3-1 record, especially with a rough five-game stretch that awaits them that includes four road games. They never led the Bears Monday night, although they had plenty of chances to get back in the game. But mistakes kept piling up, thanks mostly to five turnovers by Tony Romo.

The 34-18 loss to the Bears dropped the Cowboys to 2-2 and left them searching for answers that will undoubtedly be asked here in the next two weeks.

Offense: D-

Just judging from the stats, the Cowboys did put up 430 yards and Tony Romo passed for 307. But that's misleading because they never stopped throwing, even at the end of the game. The fact is, turnovers killed this team all night. Romo threw five interceptions and had two returned for touchdowns. They could move the ball for most of the night, but they shot themselves in the foot.

Previous game's grade: C-

Defense: B-

This grade is higher only because the Bears scored 14 points off interception returns and then scored another touchdown after a pick. The Cowboys, playing without five key defensive starters, were aggressive early and kept them in the game. They forced turnovers with DeMarcus Ware and nearly had another from Morris Claiborne that was called back after a replay review. The Cowboys didn’t lose this game because of defense.

Previous game's grade: A+

Special teams: A

Considering the Cowboys had a new punter in Brian Moorman and were facing Devin Hester, there were no issues at all in the kicking game. Moorman’s debut was stellar with two punts downed at the 6. Hester was a non-factor in both punt returning and kick returning. The Cowboys were able to do that without several key players on special teams who were either hurt or forced into starting roles because of injuries.

Previous game's grade: A-

Coaching: C

For the fourth straight game, coach Jason Garrett has struggled to get his team ready to play. The offense did have two first downs on the opening drive, giving them two first downs on opening drives all season. For the third time in four weeks, the Cowboys didn't score in the first quarter. Defensively, you have to give coordinator Rob Ryan some credit for piecing this defense together with so many injuries across the board.

Previous game's grade: B

For more Cowboys information follow @CBSCowboys and @nickeatman.