Packers beat Cowboys in Jerry’s World under the hands (and feet) of RB Aaron Jones
The 3-1 Packers took on the 3-1 Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington Texas on Sunday afternoon. Both teams were coming off of close losses (GB to PHI 34-27 & DAL to NOLA 12-10), so both teams were looking to swing momentum back into their favor. The game itself though started out in Green Bay’s favor.
The first half saw the Packers go up 31-3 on Dallas before they could even blink twice. Green Bay’s offense took off in the form of RB Aaron Jones. He ended up with 4 rushing touchdowns (the most rushing touchdowns allowed by Dallas all-time in a game), off of 107 rushing yards on 19 total carries (5.4 YPC average), along with 75 receiving yards. He ended up with a franchise-record in total yards with 182. The way Matt LaFleur utilized him in the passing game was great to see, hopefully, he continues to be a weapon out of the backfield for Green Bay.
The next unit that took a big step forward from last week was the defense; more specifically the pass rush and run defense. After getting run out of Lambeau Field last week (literally), this week was a much better story. They ended up holding Ezekiel Elliott to just 62 total yards on 12 carries (5.4 YPC), and 1 touchdown; a very impressive effort against one of the top five running backs in the NFL. They also got to Dak Prescott early and often; sacking him a total of 3 times while also forcing 3 total turnovers (3 INTs). Those would end up proving to be crucial in the second half as Dallas tried mounting a comeback (it would’ve been the largest in NFL history down 31-3), but after a failed conversion on 3rd and goal with less than 3 minutes left, Dallas’ kicker Brett Maher (who was 50% on FGs in the game to that point), was set up for a 36 yard FG to put Dallas within 7. He ended up missing it wide right; leading to an Aaron Rodgers kneel down and eventual Packer victory 34-24. Rodgers was relatively efficient in the game, going 22/34 (65%), for 238 yards and an 85.2 passer rating. This was only the 5th time under Rodgers that Green Bay had scored at least 21 points and won without him throwing a single touchdown pass. The other four were at Chicago (12/18/16), vs Detroit (12/09/12), in Chicago (01/23/11, NFCCG), and in Chicago (12/13/09). This win also marked Rodgers’ 7th win all-time against Dallas, 7-2 overall, (4-0 all-time at AT&T stadium).
This win was a huge one for Green Bay, as it widened their overall lead in the division (4-1, 2-0), now with a game against Detroit next Monday night at Lambeau Field looming. This win also puts Green Bay FIRMLY back into the Super Bowl discussion. They are much improved through the first five games of 2019 compared to last year and even 2017. This next game could definitely be their toughest game to date though; Detroit’s front 7 on defense is nothing to make light of. If the Packers expect to come out with another win, they’d better be on their A-game all around. I have a feeling that it’s going to be a classic NFC North black and blue battle. Let’s hope Green Bay comes out on top.
@DieHardPackrFan #DHPF #ParkerMoes @ParkerMoes
