NFL
By: Greg Rector
Dallas Cowboys (6-2) vs Green Bay Packers (3-6)
Lambeau Field 4:25 PM FOX
After two early kickoffs, the Cowboys return to playing in the “Game of the Week,” as they face the Packers. When the schedule was announced for the 2022 season and the Cowboys were known to be heading to Green Bay I was stunned the game ended up in November instead of December. That was a pleasant surprise. The Dallas Cowboys are coming off their bye week as they face a struggling Packers team. As with every November, the Cowboys are about to embark on their annual three games in 12 days. Let’s break this one down.
Cowboys Defense vs Packers Offense
The 1960s Packers were the bane of the Cowboys’ early existence in the NFL. Then there were three decades of dominance in the Cowboys’ favor, even when Brett Favre was gunslinging his way through the league in the 90s, the Cowboys were his and the Packers’ kryptonite. However, since the first season of AT&T Stadium and that Super Bowl victory for the Packers led by Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers have been the victors more often than not. Sometimes earned, other times not so much (Dez Caught The Damn ball) the constant has been Rodgers pretty much having his way against Dallas. This week appears that this is about to come crashing down for Aaron Rodgers. Already struggling now the injuries are piling up. The trip to Detroit ended with WR Romeo Doubs and RB Aaron Jones both in walking boots. WR Christian Watson just back from concussion protocol went right back to the same scenario. Now on a somewhat positive note, Jones was x-rayed and the results were negative. The Packers’ offensive line has been a complete mess all season and yet again the same was true on Sunday with LT Bakhtiari and RG Jon Runyan dealing with knee issues. All of that adds up to the 11 Cowboys who will line up opposite Aaron Rodgers on Sunday afternoon and they need to follow the lead of Micah “The Lion is Always Hungry,” Parsons. It’s a late afternoon hunt and the Cowboys’ rested defense should turn themselves loose upon the depleted Packers offense and in particular the guy in green and gold wearing number 12. Cowboys fans will enjoy nothing more than seeing Rodgers take an absolute pounding. At this point, the only thing the Packers have done well is run the ball, and even then that hasn’t been the case every game. No idea what has happened to AJ Dillion but he’s been a non-factor. With Jones not at 100%, this needs to be a game where the defense goes out and pads their statistics.
Cowboys Offense vs Packers Defense
The injury news doesn’t get any better for the Packers’ defense. Rashan Gary is now out for the season with an ACL injury. Cornerback Eric Stokes (ankle and knee) joined the others in a walking boot. LB Krys Barnes (concussion) may or may not be available. The Cowboys should have Ezekiel Elliott back for this game. That means a return to the norm. Zeke will get the ugly carries, and be responsible for protecting Dak Prescott when called upon and hopefully, Tony Pollard will be the explosive play guy on his 12 to 14 touches. Even if they decide to give Zeke another week of rest (unlikely) the Cowboys running game should have just as good a game as they did against the Bears. Just as they did against the Bears the Cowboys should be able to use play action (even on 1st downs) to great effect against the Packers. With a depleted linebacking and secondary group, any Cowboys receiver that gets separation should be ready to catch a pass from Dak Prescott. The passing game should see every Packers defensive back being attacked except Jaire Alexander, a task made easier if Stokes cannot play.
Prediction
If the Cowboys take care of business from the opening kickoff this could be a game where the starters can get off the field early. Nothing has gone right for the Packers and the Cowboys simply must take care of business, and get out of Green Bay healthy. Green Bay gets no sympathy from me just as I wanted none when the 2020 injury-riddled season hit Dallas. After years of the Packers and Rodgers tormenting the Cowboys, it’s time to exact some revenge. As I always warn though, do not play down to the Packers. Go out there and beat them into submission. As John Kreese would tell his Cobra Kai charges “NO MERCY.” Exploit every weakness. I believe the Cowboys will do just that and defeat the Packers 38 to 10.
Rumor Mill
Odell Beckham is rumored to be ready to start practicing. If and it remains a big if he comes to Dallas it will be Jerry and not Stephen that makes it happen. Beckham has been on his ring being kissed tour. Jerry has also discussed he knows his time is limited and if Beckham is to be signed the usual low-ball tactic of Stephen Jones will ruin the possibility. On the injury front, it seems as if Tyron Smith is progressing very well. So much so that maybe week 15 against the Jaguars is the tune-up game before the Christmas Eve revenge game against the Eagles. Even if we only get a few games of a healthy Tyron it could go a long way.
As always you can find me on Twitter @GregCowboys
