3 Keys to a Packers Victory over the Cowboys on Wild Card Weekend
After a season full of ups and downs, the No. 7 seeded Green Bay Packers (9-8) head to Dallas to take on the No. 2 seed Cowboys (12-5) in the Wild Card Round on Sunday, Jan. 14.
The Packers come into this matchup the heavy underdog due to their young offense and underperforming defense. Over the final two months of the season, the Packers' offense has been inconsistent. In some games, they are able to move the ball up and down the field and score points, and in others, they have had issues finishing scoring drives. If they don’t score on every opportunity against the Cowboys, then Dallas will make them pay.
Defensively, it's the same story as it has been the past couple of seasons for the Packers. The players have lots of potential but defensive coordinator Joe Barry has yet to put together a good scheme for the players. Having a bad defense is detrimental when facing the Cowboys, who average 40 points per game at home.
In order for the Packers to pull off a major upset, they will need to excel in three major areas against the Cowboys.
Control the line of scrimmage
Photo Credit: Evan Siedge, Packers.com
If the Packers want to have any shot at beating the Cowboys, they will need to control the line of scrimmage on both offense and defense. Controlling the line of scrimmage on offense is difficult for most teams against the Cowboys because of defensive ends Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, and it won't be any different for the Packers. Due to the fact that the Packers' offensive line is entering this game banged up. Being banged up against players who get after the quarterback, like Parsons and Lawrence, is a frightening proposition. However, the Cowboys’ defensive line has been out-physicalled at points this season, which is what the Packers will need to do if they want to control the game on offense.
To win the line of scrimmage on defense, the Packers need their defense line to be on their A-game. That includes defensive ends Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark, who need to provide pressure on Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. However, that may be fairly difficult as the Cowboys' offensive line has kept Prescott well-protected this season, only allowing Prescott to get sacked 39 times this season, ranking seventh among quarterbacks. Consequently, when pressure gets through that doesn't lead to a sack, Prescott has done a great job of evading pressure and getting rid of the ball. However, if the Packers' defensive line can consistently win off the line of scrimmage, then Prescott is bound to make a few mistakes. If the Packers’ defense controls the line of scrimmage, they have a much higher chance of winning this game.
Run the Ball Well
Photo Credit: Evan Siedge, Packers.com
The Dallas Cowboys' biggest defensive weakness is facing teams with good physical running games. That is why the Packers must execute the previous key and establish a strong run game with running backs Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillion. Even though Jones and Dillon are entering this game with nagging injuries, they can still be a dynamic duo. Dillon's hard-nosed running style would wear the Cowboys' defense down, and then Jones's explosivity will lead to big plays on the ground. Being able to lean on the two offensive players who have been in the playoffs before will also help quarterback Jordan Love relax in his first career postseason game.
Protect the Ball
Over the last three seasons, the Cowboys' defense has made a name for themselves by forcing teams to turn the ball over. This season, the Cowboys accumulated 17 interceptions and nine fumbles for a total of 26 turnovers. Of those 26 turnovers, five were returned by the defense for touchdowns, and many others were cashed in by the offense for points. The Cowboys' defense's ability to force turnovers poses a huge threat to this young Packers offense in their first playoff appearance post Aaron Rodgers. That is why it is paramount for the Packers' offense to protect the football by giving Jordan Love easy throws to make and covering the ball up. Minimizing the turnovers and giving the Cowboys fewer opportunities tom score will make the game much more manageable and easier to win for the offense.