The Green Bay Packers, the seventh and final seed in the NFC, have punched their ticket into the postseason after defeating the Minnesota Vikings, the Chicago Bears, and the Carolina Panthers to end the regular season. This Sunday in the Wild Card round, they take on the second-seeded Dallas Cowboys, led by former coach Mike McCarthy.
In addition to McCarthy’s ties to the Packers, the clash between Green Bay and Dallas in Arlington will be intriguing since it will pit the team’s explosive attack against Dallas’ formidable defense.
Against the Cowboys’ mediocre run defense, Green Bay’s best bet is to get the ball into Aaron Jones’ hands as much as possible in both the run and pass games. When did Green Bay last play in Dallas, if you recall? In a 34-24 triumph, Jones gained 109 yards on 19 carries and four touchdowns.
In the secondary for Dallas are Trevon Diggs, Jayron Kearse, Malik Hooker, and Stephon Gilmore. DeMarcus Lawrence, Chauncey Golston, and Dante Fowler Jr. are capable of pressing the quarterback. Additionally, don’t overlook Leighton Vander Esch and Micah Parsons, two All-Pro linebackers.
The Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, had caused problems for the Packers during his time with the Seattle Seahawks in the early 2010s. The Seahawks’ defense gave up just 16 points to Aaron Rodgers on opening night in 2014, and they gave up 22 points in the NFC Championship the same year as the Seahawks overcame a 16-point deficit to win 28–22 and move on to Super Bowl XLIX.
With fewer than 300 total yards allowed per game during the regular season, the Cowboys had the fifth-best total defense in the league. They are seventh in terms of pass defense as well, giving up just 187.4 passing yards per contest. However, Dallas’ run defense is its weak point. Their 16th-ranked defense gives up 112.4 yards per game on the
Green Bay’s youthful receiving corps has performed admirably in the passing game over the last several months. However, they might not be able to break free from Dallas’ talented secondary. Nevertheless, Jayden Reed outperformed the Vikings and Bears. After the reception, he gained a lot of yards and gained separation from their defensive backs. Just before halfway against Minnesota, he took the ball 22 yards after the catch to score. In the fourth quarter, he made a huge catch against the Bears that resulted in a dramatic change of momentum. He sprinted 39 yards after snagging the ball.
Trevon Diggs ought to be able to get some distance on the route if he stands up for Reed. Despite being a ballhawk, Diggs has had trouble staying in coverage while running routes.
Dallas is likely to score points against the Packers’ defense. Over the last two weeks, Green Bay’s defense has performed admirably, giving up just 12 points thanks to a mishandled punt against Minnesota that was followed by a touchdown a few plays later. But that was against an injured Vikings offense starting their fourth quarterback of the season in Jaren Hall, and a mediocre Bears attack that ranks 20th in total offense with an average of 323 total yards per game.
This season, the Cowboys’ offense is among the best in the NFL, and Dak Prescott is
If the Packers concentrate on getting Jones the ball, they should be able to score points against the Cowboys as well. The Cowboys’ young receivers ought to produce some plays if they can contain Jones. Bo Melton, Dontayvion Wicks, and Jayden Reed have all produced well in the past month.
But keep in mind that anything can happen now that the Packers are in the postseason because they are on a hot streak heading into it.
