Why Packers Will Beat Cowboys and Why They Might Not

Once again, the Green Bay Packers will head to Jerry's World for an important NFC matchup and after a tough loss it's a huge game for Green Bay.

It's obvious to say, but there is a huge difference between being 4-1 and 3-2. The Packers will be better off in the division and hold a tiebreaker over one of the better teams in the conference, which could be handy down the road.

Games like this don't necessarily decide who goes to the Super Bowl, but they do generally decide who gets home-field advantage and that sort of thing. 

Plus, beyond the playoff implications, the Packers and Cowboys have been must-see TV the past few years. There was the Dez Bryant no catch game in 2014, the miraculous pass to Jared Cook in 2016 and the Davante Adams touchdown catch to win in the 2017 regular season. The other two games came in the playoffs.

As much as this game is about the postseason, it's also about finding out if this Packers team is for real. Green Bay has looked shaky at times this season and hasn't really been able to put together a complete game.

The offense has been good at times, but has struggled to close out games. The second half against Minnesota and last week's loss ot Philly are two examples of that.

But, that being said, Aaron Rodgers is starting to look more comfortable. He threw the ball better last week and if he can just be himself, with the way the defense is playing, Green Bay will be tough to beat.

In terms of this game, there are plenty of reasons to be negative but there are still a few reasons why the Packers can pull it out.

Why Green Bay will win 

Unlike in previous season, the Packers actually have a legitmate defense, one that has proven to be pretty solid against Chicago, the Eagles and Minnesota. 

Mike Pettine's unit ranks in the top 10 in points allowed, yards allowed and turnovers. Green Bay is also averaging three sacks per game and with Zadarius Smith and Kyler Fackrell both expected to be healthy, the pass rush should be close to 100 percent.

While Adams is going to miss the game, there is hope Kevin King can play and Bryan Bulaga looks ready to go after practicing two straight days. 

Bulaga will be essential if the Packers are going to have a chance. Rodgers needs to protect the ball and Green Bay has to find a way to get Aaron Jones going, although Bulaga may help.

With the way the defense is playing, Green Bay doesn't have to score 30 points to win. It's possible that 20-24 could be enough and if the Packers force a turnover or two, that's attainable for Arod, even without Adams.

Why Green Bay might lose

One area where the Green Bay defense hasn't been great has been stopping the run. Dalvin Cook broke off the long touchdown run and Ezekiel Elliott is as good as any back in the league.

Dallas also has a stellar offensive line, even if Tyron Smith doesn't play. 

Slowing down Amari Cooper will be a challenge too, as well as the rest of the Dallas passing attack, which has been better than expected.

The defense has also been really good, ranking in the top 10 in yards and points. The same can be said for the offense.

Dallas is among the most balanced teams in the NFL, however, the Packers have had their number the past few seasons.

If the Green Bay defense shows up and Rodgers can pull a couple rabbits out of a hat, the Packers could leave Dallas with another thrilling win. 

 

__________________________

Chris is a sports journalist from Montana and has been blogging about the Packers since 2011. Chris has been a staff writer for CheeseheadTV since 2017 and looks forward to the day when Aaron Rodgers wins his second Super Bowl. Follow him @thepackersguru

5 points
 

Comments (26)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
Cubbygold's picture

October 06, 2019 at 05:42 am

Can't wait to see how targets get distributed in this game. MVS and Graham are the logical 1-2, but will Rodgers really throw their way 15+ times?

Maybe Jones has a breakout game in the recieving department, or maybe the three TEs combine for 10+ targets.

All the beat writers love kumerow, lets see if the guy can play already

2 points
3
1
EdsLaces's picture

October 06, 2019 at 06:50 am

I'd love to see Geronimo go off...

3 points
3
0
Savage57's picture

October 06, 2019 at 07:50 am

...the field.

2 points
2
0
Fire_Gute's picture

October 06, 2019 at 09:41 am

You beat me to it. I was going to say the team, same thing

0 points
0
0
Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

October 06, 2019 at 07:29 am

I’m really hoping that this is the game that MLF goes off. I don’t think that the offense has come close to putting together a full game, but worse, I’ve only seen glimpses of cutting edge offensive plays. We’ve seen maybe a 1-2 end arounds and one double screen...plays where I say, “Wow, that was completely new.” I want to see a game where the defense is consistently fooled and on their heels. And not just because of AR’s scrambling. It’s game 5. IT IS TIME!

6 points
6
0
Lphill's picture

October 06, 2019 at 07:36 am

Cowboys beat 3 teams that had new QB starting, their O line is banged up and Cooper has bad ankle. Packers will win if they play mistake free football .

2 points
2
0
Coldworld's picture

October 06, 2019 at 07:38 am

I think today is a key test for everyone concerned with the offense that had to happen sometime: Rodgers without Adams. How will the others step up?

Will Kumerow come in and make a mark? Will there be a new default and if so who? Will others take advantage of the increased opportunities? Will. LaFleur scheme more diversely without Adams?

While the O remains a work in progress, today could tell us a lot. I’d rather it wasn’t this game where we had to undergo this examination: the cowboys at home will be tough.

1 points
1
0
Coldworld's picture

October 06, 2019 at 07:38 am

I think today is a key test for everyone concerned with the offense that had to happen sometime: Rodgers without Adams. How will the others step up?

Will Kumerow come in and make a mark? Will there be a new default and if so who? Will others take advantage of the increased opportunities? Will. LaFleur scheme more diversely without Adams?

While the O remains a work in progress, today could tell us a lot. I’d rather it wasn’t this game where we had to undergo this examination: the cowboys at home will be tough.

2 points
2
0
NickPerry's picture

October 06, 2019 at 07:44 am

The Cowboy's three wins have come against teams with a combined 2-10 record. Miami who was one of the teams they beat has taken sucking to a whole new level, I mean they are really bad. Washington isn't much better and the Giant team they beat was with Eli Manning and not Daniel Jones. I understand you play who's on the schedule but let's slow down a bit on the Cowboys hype train. Again wins against teams with a 2-10 record and a loss to Teddy "King of the 2 yard pass" Bridgewater...Common Man!!

The Packers have had 10 days to practice stopping the run and being more disciplined. The WR's have had 10 days to get ready for the Cowboys and PRACTICE with Rodgers hopefully, some new things that will work this afternoon. The Defense got lit up a bit last Thursday but they still held the Eagles passing game to 151 yards. Yes, they got torched in the Red-Zone, but it was a game the Packers COULD have won even SHOULD have won.

Getting M Adams back should help. Getting Z Smith back at 99% should help even more. It wouldn't surprise me a bit to see Pettine play the Cowboys much like the Saints did. Play more of a 6 man front to take Elliott away or at least slow him down and take your chances with your secondary against the Cowboys skill position players. IMO Amari Cooper is one of the most over-rated WR in the NFL. Put Alexander on him, King (if he plays) on Michael Gallop, and let the pass rush beat the crap out of the back -up LT and wounded RT and let's see what happens. My guess is the Girlz are suddenly 3-2 and the Packers are 4-1!

2 points
2
0
Guam's picture

October 06, 2019 at 07:49 am

Welcome back CW. We missed your usual insightful commentary the last few weeks.

I think this game is going to answer some questions for Gute and determine whether he needs to do some more in-season shopping or not. D-line and the WR group are suspect right now and need to answer the bell in Dallas or expect changes. At least Gute is willing to entertain ideas like that unlike his predecessor.

1 points
1
0
Tundraboy's picture

October 06, 2019 at 08:45 am

My man NP!

Go Pack Go

0 points
0
0
Coldworld's picture

October 06, 2019 at 01:06 pm

Thank you for your comments Guam

0 points
0
0
stockholder's picture

October 06, 2019 at 08:28 am

The cowboys have just as many questions as the packers. The cheerleaders aren't one of them. . The packers should have their Wrs questions answered today. And to be honest; will the Tes finally play to their ability? So much depends on Rodgers ability to pass. And Pass he should. Forget the run game. I say Pass! Running will be a waste, and lock you into a defensive battle. The Defense does have the ability to stop the run. And if Adams can stay in this game. It's just a win for him, and the defensive unit. It's Adams time! The packers have so much to prove on offense and defense. But I'll start by ordering a Adams.

3 points
3
0
murf7777's picture

October 06, 2019 at 08:41 am

The Packers win or lose based on wether they win TO battle. Especially on the road, against a very good team your odds of winning are greatly reduced if you lose that battle. 2nd most important is 4 + yards on first down and hold them under 4yds.

2 points
2
0
Leatherhead's picture

October 06, 2019 at 02:18 pm

I’d agree on the TOS. I think the team that makes the most big plays in the passing game, wins. I’ve given up hope for a running game for the time being.

1 points
1
0
Qoojo's picture

October 06, 2019 at 05:48 pm

After the Saints game, the girls might be a bit overrated, so it is possible for the packers to win. The run defense is a concern, along with Adams being out, because the offense can't sputter like the first two games. Packers need someone to step up. Don't want to rely on Jimmy "I only need one hand to catch" Graham.

1. Protecting Rodgers is also a key like every other game. He is the season, so protect him.
2. Run defense
3. Some receiver has to step up, even it is just RB dump off passes
4. Win the battle of LOS
5. Jamaal is out. Jones can't handle the load by himself. Dexter Williams better protect the ball and try not to drop passes.

0 points
0
0
Fire_Gute's picture

October 06, 2019 at 09:46 am

I can't spin this in a positive way, no matter how hard I try. I see the running game having their way all day. I don't think it's scheme with the run defense, I think it's talent, or lack there of, especially at mlb. You're not going to slow zeke down with a guy who makes all his tackles 6 yards down field.

-1 points
1
2
TarynsEyes's picture

October 06, 2019 at 10:43 am

Dal will dominate the clock if the GB run defense plays as it has so far this season.

Rodgers will have limited time to compete and EVERY possession will need to be productive,which is now extremely hampered by the loss of Adams.

The more we hear about Scott playing like an MVP is NOT a good sign for the Packers.

Win or lose, the Packers need to show some signs,strong signs of progress at every facet of the game,less the punting of Scott.

Cowboys 24-17 unless the Pack can do some things they couldn't do last week...better RZ offense,run defense, 3rd down.

3 points
3
0
GVPacker's picture

October 06, 2019 at 10:51 am

The Packers Defense was solid against the Eagles.....Really?

3 points
3
0
Swisch's picture

October 06, 2019 at 11:58 am

Wow! A featured game for a national audience, and against the contemptible Cowboys of crass commercialism.
How can it not be fun to watch how Pettine stops Zeke for less than 100 yards?
How can it not be fun to watch how Rodgers creatively spreads the ball around in the absence of Davante?
Outside of our division, there's no sweeter victory than against the Cowboys, the falsely claimed usurper of the Packers as America's Team.
I'm hopeful our Packers of the heartland are ready to show up big today to prove victorious -- showing a truer picture of America that is less loud and gaudy, more solid and strong, and in the end subtly superior.
Excellence over sensationalism! Class over crass!
P.S. Welcome back to the comments, Coldworld.

0 points
0
0
fastmoving's picture

October 06, 2019 at 03:21 pm

thats how it should be in generall, not just in sports. sad, thats the last couple of years ist the other way around. and the loudest and dumbest looser think they in charge.
but we dont give up hope….

GO PACK GO

1 points
1
0
Lare's picture

October 06, 2019 at 12:45 pm

The Packers can beat the Cowboys. But the Packers can't beat the Cowboys if they beat themselves.

0 points
0
0
fastmoving's picture

October 06, 2019 at 12:55 pm

just for all WR stuff: Davis has in Oakland more plays in two games than in all of his years with us!! And he was the 7th WR on our roster!
we have a really good, maybe great, group at WR. Just take advantage of it...….

1 points
1
0
ricky's picture

October 06, 2019 at 12:55 pm

Jared Cook- a lost opportunity. Too bad. Imagine if the Packers had him on the team rather than Graham. Oh well, water under the bridge.

0 points
0
0
GVPacker's picture

October 06, 2019 at 01:25 pm

Oh No is this game a Troy and Joe Buck special? Maybe Joe Buck will be unavailable due to the MLB playoffs....My fingers are crossed!

0 points
0
0
BoCallahan's picture

October 06, 2019 at 01:36 pm

I’m in Uruguay for 2 weeks so this site is my only access to Packer information. Keep it coming! I’ve introduced CheeseheadTV to Packer fans down here.

0 points
0
0