Packers vs. Cowboys NFL Week 5: Top rookies to watch

Darnell Savage, S, Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers have allowed the third least passing yards per game during the first four weeks of the NFL season. In NFL Week 5, the Packers are up against a Dallas team who ranks fifth in passing yards per game. One of the best secondaries against one of the best passing offenses makes Packers vs. Cowboys very interesting.

Last week the Saints were able to hold Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ passing game pretty much in check. The Packers will be looking to do the same, and rookie safety Darnell Savage will be a big part of that game plan.

In four games this season, Savage has recorded 17 total tackles, three pass deflections, one forced fumble and one interception. He’s making a big impact on this secondary and defense overall. One of the biggest reasons for his success is because of his game changing speed. Savage has been all over the field for the Packers and has been great in coverage.

Part of the reason Savage is a rookie to watch in this Packers vs. Cowboys matchup is because of who he’ll be matched up against. Dallas has several receivers who are very different. There’s Amari Cooper, Jason Witten, Randall Cobb, Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard, Devin Smith and more. It’ll be interesting to see how Savage adjusts when he lines up against each of these guys. It’ll also be interesting to see if Dak Prescott tries to pick on the rookie safety.

Darrius Shepherd, WR, Green Bay Packers

Darrius Shepherd has yet to make a catch in the NFL during the regular season. However, this week could be different. Aaron Rodgers’ number one receiver, Davante Adams, is out for this game with an injury. That means someone has to step up. Will it be Shepherd?

Shepherd has spent most of his playing time as a returner, but even those opportunities have been limited. His snap count against the Cowboys is likely to go way up, and there’s a good chance he’ll make the most of those extra snaps.

Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks at spreading the ball around. He’s not typically one who continuously goes after the same receiver. With Adams out, he definitely can’t do it now.

If Shepherd sees the field against Dallas, his best bet to get the ball will be when the play breaks down and Rodgers extends. Shepherd doesn’t have to put up big numbers in this game to earn more opportunities moving forward. If he can make even just a few plays for this offense, his role will continue to increase as the season goes on.