As the Bears entered the final quarter of their season Thursday (sorry to go all Lovie Smith on you there), generating excitement for Bears-Dallas proved tough at first.
The playoffs are pretty much out the window for the Bears. There isn't a whole lot of hatred between these teams, either. In fact, former Bears lineman Henry Melton in a Cowboys uniform was a breath of fresh air more than anything.
Yet both these teams boast their share of stars-even if they've had their struggles. Plus, the Cowboys' helmet is ultra-recognizable and the whole country was watching, so an all-star recap (on a scale of 1 to 4) feels fitting on a night Chicago fans had a break from the Bulls and Blackhawks.
FIRST HALF
Four stars: Brandon Marshall
Marshall made one of his patented juggling catches that looks easy but really isn't. Basically, the kind of catch that makes Jay Cutler appear to be a $22 million quarterback. Unfortunately for the Bears, Marshall injured his ribs in the second quarter on a grab over the middle and did not return. He left the stadium in an ambulance after compiling three catches for 61 yards at the time.
Four stars: Tony Romo
Maybe Chicago fans can still claim him as one of their own, considering he's an Eastern Illinois product and all. He was sharp in the first half Thursday, completing 17 of 21 passes for 123 yards and a score, which came with 8 seconds left in the first half. It's been too long since the Bears assembled a drive like that.
Three stars: Ed Hochuli
Anyone else notice the referee's tone in calling penalties Thursday? It seemed almost fatherly, as if he was saying, "Well, now you can learn from this experience. Remember to brush your teeth." (Truth be told, the early onset of winter might be getting to us.)
One star: Matt Forte
You're putting your fist through the wall if he's on your fantasy team. Six carries for five yards in the first half, and this after he had minus-2 yards in the first quarter. DeMarco Murray, on the other hand, just kept on trucking as if the Bears defense owed him money: 105 yards of offense and a TD.
SECOND HALF
Four stars: DeMarco Murray
Bribe. Cheat. Steal. Do whatever you have to in order to draft this guy in your fantasy league next season. With the Dallas offensive line gouging holes in defenses, this guy's a straight-up beast. (Editor's note: RedEye does not condone breaking the law or acting like a jerk in general. Even if there's money on the line in your league.)
Three stars: Kids vs. mascots
The goofballs in the costumes always bring it, even if the pro team they're supporting loses its way. Same goes for the kids who took them on in a pickup football game at halftime Thursday. Mark it down as a much-needed bit of silliness. And on the bright side, maybe those kids will lead the Bears to glory in 15 years or so.
One star: Tinkerbell
The legendary fairy took a Twitter beating Thursday night during NBC's "Peter Pan Live" broadcast. Apparently she wasn't the most likable pixie. Though watching her turn off viewers couldn't have been worse than seeing the Bears suffer another home loss.
One star: Bears offense-and defense
Strange play calling, costly penalties, turnovers-after the Bears tied the game at 7 in the first half, the Bears were in desperation mode the rest of the game. Forte fumbled on the Bears' first drive of the second half, and everything unraveled from there. Yes, they pulled within 35-28 at one point, but Dallas stomped out any flicker of hope shortly after with a field goal. Just three games to go, Bears fans.
Chris Sosa is RedEye's sports editor.