Packers Periscope: Week 5 vs Dallas Cowboys

Dallas week. Quite possibly the most anticipated week for Green Bay outside a divisional matchup. From the Ice Bowl to Aaron Rodgers ridiculous pass to Jared Cook in the 2017 NFC Divisional Round, this is one of the NFL’s most highly anticipated non-divisional rivalries. And Sunday’s game of the week will be the latest installment.

The Packers narrowly lead the all-time series 19-17, including playoffs. However, Rodgers has dominated Dallas during his time as the starting quarterback. Overall, he’s 6-2 with an undefeated record at AT&T Stadium. Rodgers has thrown 15 touchdowns to just two interceptions and that accompanies a 271.5 passing yards per game total. All things considered, pretty dominant.

Success has also come relatively easy for Dak Prescott in this matchup. Over three games, Prescott holds a 3:1 touchdown to interception ratio but he hasn’t received much help from his defense. In both losses, the Cowboys allowed at least 34 points while Prescott was completing 66 percent of his passes. Sure, Prescott has been very good against the Packers and he is playing at a near MVP type level so far this season. Except, he hasn’t faced a secondary, or defense for that matter, like the one he will on Sunday.

When Green Bay and Dallas last faced off in week five of 2017, the Packers secondary looked like this: Damarious Randall and Kevin King were starting at corner while the backend consisted of Morgan Burnett and HaHa Clinton-Dix.

Not bad but it certainly lacks the firepower it possesses today. This time, Prescott will face a very confident Jaire Alexander who will see a lot of time opposite of Amari Cooper. With King likely out with a groin injury and Tony Brown nursing a hamstring, that will leave Tramon Williams and Josh Jackson, or a combination of the two, to handle outside corner duties. That said the real difference comes at safety. Since these teams last saw each other, Green Bay has seen a nice boost in safety play with the additions of Darnell Savage and Adrian Amos.

It is safe to say Prescott will be unfamiliar territory come Sunday and that is without even discussing the pass rush.

The same goes for Rodgers who will face an improved Cowboys defense. Every year it seems like they get better. Through the first quarter of the 2019 season, Dallas’ defense is seventh in total yards surrendered per game and third in points allowed. Rodgers is going to have a tough time moving the ball and putting points on the board if he is without Davante Adams.

Expect Matt LaFleur to run a very watered down offense if Adams is out. Just moving the chains will be even more vital as the defense will have their hands full. Not only with Prescott but also Ezekiel Elliot who has a history of putting up good numbers against the Packers. In all three games against Green Bay, Elliot has eclipsed 100 yards. Unfortunately, the Packers run defense will be staggering into this game having just allowed 176 rushing yards to the Philadelphia Eagles.

In that game, Green Bay’s front did a terrible job controlling the line of scrimmage but since the Cowboys will be without starting left tackle Tyron Smith, their job will be a little easier.

The Packers best chance will be finding a way to limit Dallas’ third-ranked offense. It would be wise for them to take a page out of New Orleans playbook from last Sunday. The Saints committed themselves to shutting down the run and impressively held Elliot to 35 yards on 18 carries. They also won the time of possession battle by over 12 minutes.

That sounds like a winning recipe.  

 

 

 

Brandon Carwile is a Packers writer who also enjoys watching and breaking down film. Follow him on Twitter @PackerScribe.

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Comments (7)

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murf7777's picture

October 04, 2019 at 01:31 pm

I expect to see a better gap responsible D for the Dallas game. Hopefully, they will be more physical and beat majority of the one on ones. In addition, Martinez needs to take better and quicker angles then the Philly game. I'm a supporter of him, but after watching the game again, I noticed him missing multiple opportunities for earlier tackles.

My take we will be alright without Adams for a few weeks. I hate to say it, as I don't like excuses, but Philly defenders were interfering all game with our receivers and the refs were letting it go. Especially, in the 2nd half.

Even thou Graham isn't what he used to be he was getting down field and making plays in the middle for us last game. One of the "one handed" grabs looked to me that his other hand was being held onto. He is starting to make more plays this year compared to last.

Green Bay 24-20 as Packers disappoint Dallas one more time like Dallas did to us in the early 90's!

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TarynsEyes's picture

October 04, 2019 at 03:08 pm

This was a hard choice even if Adams wasn't hurt because the offense of GB is a sputter fest. The Cowboy's offense may not be seen as imposing due to the teams they played and the fact that they were held at bay in NOLA,but they are much more consistent and Zeke hasn't hit stride since his return from Cabo.

The Packers run defense will be tested again and Dak off it's failing will open up the pass having to stack the box.

The pending decision on Adams will force MLF to do something he hasn't done so far....have more than scripted plays or let Rodgers have total command and let him do what he wants. This may be a Sword of Damocles for MLF or Rodgers. MLF conceding his scheme isn't ready or Rodgers falling flat as a Commander in play calling.

Considering the more possible that Adams won't play and even if did, he'd be slowed and used sparingly, I don't trust the Packers in this one especially after falling to an injured Eagles team and the failure to steal a much needed win that will prove harmful come playoff in's and outs.

Cowboys 26-17

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PeteK's picture

October 04, 2019 at 02:35 pm

Defense is well rested and will be on a mission of destruction. Offense will have more success running and Rogers will be spreading the ball around. Kumerow, Allison, Graham, and Jones will all have solid games catching the ball.

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TarynsEyes's picture

October 04, 2019 at 03:09 pm

Are you sure you want to use that many wishes at one time? : )

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PeteK's picture

October 05, 2019 at 06:01 pm

There's a bright star in the sky. Williams will rush for 100 yds, Rogers will throw 4 TDS, and finally both safeties will have an INT.

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Lphill's picture

October 04, 2019 at 03:33 pm

Cooper playing on a bad ankle, the Cowboys O line banged up , should favor the Packers, Preston Smith has experience against them , I expect the Packers D to bounce back , Packers win.

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Lare's picture

October 04, 2019 at 06:11 pm

I think the Packers can be competitive against the Cowboys, but I just don't see any way the refs will let the Packers win in Jerry's house. Packers 24- Cowboys 27 (Crosby misses another field goal).

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