The Cowboys and the Packers have played some great football games in recent history.
Beginning with the 2014 Divisional Round classic headlined by the “Dez caught it” controversy, and continuing to the 2016 Divisional Round game where the Cowboys nearly completed a comeback on the shoulders of standout rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott.
Sunday’s game between the two has significant early-season implications as both squads look to improve to 4-1 as both the Cowboys and the Packers are coming off of their first losses of the season to the Saints and the Eagles respectively.
The biggest news of the week is that star receiver Davante Adams has been ruled out of this week’s game. Adams had a big week against the Eagles before exiting the game with a turf toe injury. He caught ten passes for 180 yards and was the biggest part of the Packers’ offensive success. With him out of the lineup, the Cowboys defense will have a much easier job containing Aaron Rodgers and putting themselves in a position to win the game.
The Offensive Line
Tyron Smith sprained his ankle week four against the New Orleans Saints and is expected to miss week five’s matchup against Green Bay. While that is obviously not ideal news, Cameron Fleming will step in and play well enough. La’el Collins was also banged up and did not practice on Thursday. Dallas’ rushing attack was bad against the Saints. Zeke could not get anything going and the Cowboys offense seemed very stagnant all night long. The Packers run D is bad but they will get some help from this unhealthy offensive line.
Michael Gallup’s Return
Michael Gallup was the Cowboys’ best receiver before he suffered an injury that kept him out of the last two matchups. Gallup’s return to the lineup against the Packers will definitely help spread out the offense and we will probably see an offense more like the first three games.
The Packers’ Horrible Run D
Ezekiel Elliott was held to his second-worst rushing performance of his career last week against the Saints. Be prepared for him to bounce back in a big way. The Packers run defense is giving up an average of 143 rush yards per game which ranks towards the bottom of the league. When the Cowboys exploit the weakness, Dallas’ whole offense will open up and Dak and Kellen Moore will bounce back.
This is the biggest prove-it game of the year for the Cowboys as they look to prove that they belong as a top team in the NFL.
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