2015 Game Preview: Dallas Cowboys vs Green Bay Packers
By Brady Lunt
Week 13 brought a miracle that had yet to be accomplished in quite some time. The Dallas Cowboys finally found a way to win with a starting quarterback not named Tony Romo. It wasn’t pretty, but some strong defensive stops and a mishap by DeSean Jackson in the 4th quarter helped push the Cowboys over the Redskins, 19-16. Maybe even more miraculously, the win keeps the Cowboys in the playoff race, only one game behind a three-way tie for the division lead. While it inspires hope, a matchup against the Packers may spell doom for the Cowboys.
Last season, these two teams faced off in the Divisional round of the playoffs, with the Packers narrowly winning out and moving on to the NFC Championship. Could this game be the same result? With Minnesota’s loss to the Seahawks, the Packers once again assume first place in the NFC North… For now. A loss to the Dallas Cowboys may not prevent them from playoff contention, however they would once again find themselves behind the Minnesota Vikings and sliding to the Wild Card round.
The Packers will need to win this game in order to maintain a one game lead in the division as we approach the closing weeks of the regular season. For each side, this game is a crucial step. The winner may find themselves leading the division, while the loser will be outside looking in and in the Cowboys case, out of playoff contention.
Keys to Victory
Green Bay Packers
- Must stop the run
The Cowboys are finding success when they are able to keep a rhythm in the running game. It opens up opportunities in the passing game and allows their offense to be much more balanced. Green Bay currently ranks 20th in overall run defense and have struggled at various times to control the line of scrimmage. If they are to limit the Cowboys offense, they will need to force it to become more one-dimensional by stopping Darren McFadden & Co. Mike Daniels, Clay Matthews, and everyone else on that defense will need to limit the ground game as much as possible.
- Use the Tight Ends
With Aaron Rodgers at the helm, any player has the ability to go beyond expectations. With tight ends like Richard Rodgers and Andrew Quarless, the Packers have some mismatches that they need to fully utilize. Both tight ends have done a good job in the redzone, but the Packers will need them to stretch the field and get firstdowns. Doing so keeps the Packers offense on the field, limiting Dallas from gaining any momentum.
Dallas Cowboys
- Must get Dez Bryant involved
It’s hard for Dallas to think of winning if they can’t get their best offensive player involved with the offense. Despite returning from injury fairly early in the season, Bryant has failed to make much of an impact on the Cowboys fortunes. If Dallas hopes to leave Lambeau field with a win, he will need to be an integral part of the game-plan and make some big plays downfield. The more Bryant can do for Dallas, the greater their chance for success.
- Get to Aaron Rodgers
When Aaron Rodgers gets hot, the Packers offense reaches an entirely new level. When Aaron Rodgers gets hot at Lambeau field, he becomes virtually unstoppable. If the Cowboys have any hope for winning this game, the Cowboys’ pass rush will need to play punishingly well and get after Rodgers at every available opportunity. While Rodgers can generally respond to pressure well, the more the Cowboys bring it, the greater their chances of success.
Players to Watch
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Green Bay Packers – Randall Cobb, WR
While the run game is crucial to the Packers success, Randall Cobb is one of the offenses most important players. Cobb’s play has been more inconsistent than we’ve seen in the past which has limited the outside weapons for Rodgers. With the playoffs in view, Cobb will need to start a resurgence now. The better he plays, the more Rodgers can spread the offense and push the ball downfield. Earlier this season, Cobb had a three-touchdown game that surprised most. To continue having success, Cobb will need to have similar performances starting now through the rest of the season. Dallas has struggled in the secondary so there is no better time for Cobb to get his game straight than now
Dallas Cowboys – Greg Hardy, DE
As mentioned earlier, the Cowboys pass rush will be a crucial part of this game. Getting to Aaron Rogers will be a major telling point as to whether a win is even possible. The most important player to the Cowboys pass rush is the new addition in Greg Hardy, widely regarded as one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL. Greg Hardy will be utilized all over the defensive line and the more he can take advantage of mismatches and sack Aaron Rogers the more likely the Cowboys will stay in the game.
VERDICT
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While Dallas will be motivated after last seasons “controversial” loss, the Packers just play too well when they are at home. I think Dallas will put up a decent fight, but expect the Packers to put this one away.
Packers – 27
Cowboys – 17