WHAT TO WATCH 4

Key matchup

Bears cornerback Tracy Porter figures to see plenty of Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant, even if he doesn’t shadow him. But unlike high- profile corners such as Josh Norman and Darrelle Revis, Porter is all business.

‘‘ I want [ Bryant] every down, but I don’t see it as a personal matchup; I see it as a challenge,’’ Porter said. ‘‘ I’ve been in the league nine years. I’ve never been afraid of a challenge. I love the challenge of going against an opposing team’s No. 1 receiver.’’

With rookie quarterback Dak Prescott playing in place of injured Tony Romo, Bryant has eight receptions for 110 yards and no touchdowns in the Cowboys’ first two games.

‘‘ He can go up and attack the ball,’’ Porter said. ‘‘ He’s an athletic guy. The jump ball is one of the biggest things he likes to do because he can. He can jump and make the athletic catches. You definitely have to be at home in your coverages against him.’’

Trending

The Bears have been just OK with Jay Cutler ( 50- 49 in seven- plus seasons), but they’re much worse without him. Bears backup quarterbacks are 5- 10 with a 67.8 passer rating ( 19 touchdowns, 20 interceptions) since Cutler was acquired in 2009. Backups other than Josh McCown are 1- 7 with a 24.1 rating ( eight touchdowns, 19 interceptions).

Player to watch

If the Bears are intent on establishing a running game with Cutler out, they might turn to rookie Jordan Howard, who showed potential as a harddriving back who can get tough yards in tight situations.

Howard, a fifth- round draft pick from Indiana, gained 22 yards on three carries last week against the Eagles. But he acknowledged he has work to do in pass protection, a huge key to getting on the field in this offense.

‘‘ I feel like I handled the opportunity pretty well, but there are things I can improve on,’’ Howard said. ‘‘ I wanted to show them when the moment comes, I’m ready for it.’’

Negative reaction

The Bears are a minus- 3 in turnover ratio after two games. Only the Giants ( minus- 4) and Buccaneers ( minus- 6) are worse. The Bears’ defense has one takeaway: Porter’s interception early in the first quarter against the Texans in Week 1.

‘‘ It’s an emphasis,’’ defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. ‘‘ Ultimately, we just have to find the ball a little bit more. And that comes with better play and better coaching.’’

Rookie Jordan Howard had three carries for 22 yards last week against the Eagles. He might be a key if the Bears hope to establish a running game in the absence of injured Jay Cutler.