This is one of the biggest NFC matchups of the season. A classic rivalry renewed between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
Head coach Jason Garrett knows his team has gotten by for the most part in close games against an easy schedule. Their visit to Wisconsin represents the best barometer yet of just how ready or not the Cowboys are for prime time.
Background:
The Cowboys remember vividly what happened the last time they went up north to play the Packers. It resulted in the controversial non-catch by Dez Bryant that ultimately cost them a shot at the NFC championship game. Now two years later Dallas is believing it can make a run at a Super Bowl again. In order to show the country that’s true though they’ll have to beat the team they couldn’t before. Not an easy thing when Green Bay is well-built to counter their strengths.
Injury Report:
Orlando Scandrick (hamstring) – The Cowboys defense isn’t star-studded but it’s well-coached. That is how they’ve gotten by this year. Unfortunately their Achilles heel at times is the secondary. The last thing they needed was the news they might not have key cornerback Orlando Scandrick in their showdown with Aaron Rodgers. Unless their front is able to apply frequent pressure, this is a loss that could loom large in the game.
Sam Shields (concussion) – The veteran cornerback suffered a bad concussion in the season opener and hasn’t returned since. Green Bay has adjusted well enough so far but likely would prefer to have him back against red hot rookie Dak Prescott. He has returned to attending team meetings but continues missing practice. Odds are he will miss this game.
Key Matchup:
Mike Daniels vs. Zack Martin
The Packers have the best run defense in the NFL so far this season, allow less than 50 yards per game. A big part of that success comes from defensive tackle Mike Daniels who is enjoying the best start of his career. He will be a lynch pin in the effort to stop Cowboys rookie Ezekiel Elliott, and the key is collapsing his blocking. Chief among them is Pro Bowl guard Zack Martin. How the battle between those two unfolds will dictate the flow of the game.
Prediction: Packers win 26-21
Green Bay holds the advantage at quarterback, despite how well Prescott has played, and they’re also built to counter the Cowboys’ greatest strength, which is running the football. Those two key advantages will allow them to deliver another big NFC victory in their bid to catch the Vikings.