IRVING, Texas - Henry Melton cant compare this years Dallas defence to the NFL-worst unit that visited Chicago last season because he was still with the Bears.The Cowboys defensive tackle just knows that right now, his new group doesnt look like the surprising bunch that boosted Dallas during a 6-1 start.The New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles each scored on their first three possessions the past two games, although the Cowboys made enough stops against the Giants to rally for a 31-28 win. The defence kept Dallas in the Philadelphia game into the second half, but the offence couldnt overcome a quick two-touchdown deficit.Once we get going and flowing as a defensive unit, were tough to get past, said Melton, who leads the Cowboys with five sacks. But collectively ... obviously the whole game is, Ive got to play better and weve got to play better.Dallas (8-4) visits Chicago (5-7) on Thursday night, with the memory of last years dismal showing on the minds of the Cowboys who experienced that bitterly cold night.It wasnt the only bad game Dallas had defensively, which is why expectations couldnt have been much lower going into this season without the three best players in pass rusher DeMarcus Ware (released), tackle Jason Hatcher (free agent) and linebacker Sean Lee (knee injury).A strong start in 2014 was punctuated by a Week 6 win at Super Bowl champion Seattle, which had just nine first downs and 206 yards.The slide began two weeks later against Washington, when Colt McCoy essentially went from third-string quarterback to a starter making big plays in the fourth quarter and overtime of the Redskins 20-17 upset. The latest blow was a season-high 464 yards for the Eagles, including LeSean McCoys 159 yards rushing in a 33-10 Thanksgiving victory.Were still confident, defensive end Jeremy Mincey said. Sometimes its good to get ... a good old fashioned butt-kicking to get you going again. Its back to the drawing board.Mincey said he was still mad about letting the Eagles get outside early in the game on a play that he thought could have changed the momentum. McCoys two longest runs were to the outside, including a 38-yard score that put away the game in the third quarter.I can show you consecutive plays where we executed really well and the same guy did not do what he was supposed to do in the same situation and they really hurt us, coach Jason Garrett said. Whether its in the beginning of the game, the middle of the game or at the end of the game, you just have to do those things.Linebacker Rolando McClain was slowed against the Eagles by a right knee injury thats been bothering him for weeks, and cornerback Brandon Carr hasnt had a pass breakup since Seattle, seven games ago.Dallas sack totals have improved since the 6-1 start, but so have the completions percentages for opposing quarterbacks. And while the Cowboys are converting fewer third downs on offence, three of the past four opponents have a success rate of more than 50 per cent.Weve had some real good looks on third down and we didnt cash them, defensive co-ordinator Rod Marinelli said. But some of the third downs are too short right now. That starts with good run defence on first down. Tackling has to be sharp.Marinelli was Dallas defensive line coach in last years 45-28 loss to the Bears, who had 490 yards and 33 first downs a month after the Cowboys gave up an NFL-record 40 first downs at New Orleans.Chicago starter Jay Cutler had a sprained ankle, and backup Josh McCown set career highs with four touchdown passes and a passer rating of 141.9, the highest of the season against Dallas. The Cowboys didnt trash the video, though.I think it can be helpful, Garrett said. We always go through games like that. The systems are basically the same, and it applies. You want to go through it and see what they did.And the Cowboys are trying to get back to what they did defensively earlier this season.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL___Follow Schuyler Dixon on Twitter at https://twitter.com/apschuylerScottie Pippen Jersey . The CFL will help tackle womens cancers by playing four special "CFL PINK" games this weekend. Chicago Bulls Jersey . - Justin Turner is at his best with runners in scoring position, and he delivered again in a big spot for the Los Angeles Dodgers. http://www.officialbullsfanstore.com/kid...n-bulls-jersey/. Auld made 37 saves in a 5-3 loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday. It was Ottawas first game without starter Anderson, who is out indefinitely after cutting his hand Wednesday night, and it was evident the team wasnt sure how to deal with the change in goal. Jabari Parker Jersey . Numbers Game looks into the Canadiens securing the services of Thomas Vanek in a trade with the New York Islanders. The Canadiens Get: LW Thomas Vanek and a conditional fifth-round pick. Bobby Portis Jersey . Pillar is batting .305 with 17 extra-base hits, 19 RBI and five stolen bases in 34 games for Buffalo this season. The right-handed hitter had an International League high, 18-game hitting streak this season and currently owns an IL high 26-game on base streak.FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Patriots signed linebacker Darius Fleming to the 53-man roster from the practice squad Saturday.Fleming was signed by New England as a free agennt in May.dddddddddddd The former Notre Dame player spent the 2012 and 2013 seasons on injured reserve with San Francisco.The Patriots are at Green Bay on Sunday. 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