Packers win in Big D thanks to Aaron Jones and an opportunistic defense
The Green Bay Packers improved their record to 4-1 after their 34-24 win over the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Sunday.
The Packers got off to a 17-0 halftime lead and stretched it to 24-0 and 31-3 before the Cowboys scored a few touchdowns to cut it to 31-17. The Packers were able to add a field goal and stave off a rally as they exited AT&T Stadium with their second road victory of the season, one more than they had all of last year.
Analysis and thoughts about the game:
Amari Cooper had a career receiving day for the Cowboys, but it was a play that he didn’t make on their first drive that proved costly for Dallas. He dropped a pass while going deep and the ball landed in the hands of Jaire Alexander. The Packers capitalized on the turnover as Aaron Rodgers went to Aaron Jones early and often in this game. Jones burst through for an 18-yard touchdown run, one of four touchdown runs in the game for him.
I knew that one of the keys to the Packers winning this game would be to slow down Ezekiel Elliott and the Packers found a way to do just that as they got way ahead on the scoreboard and forced the Cowboys to pass their way back into the game.
The Cowboys almost got the break they needed. Down 14-0, they thought they got a fumble by Aaron Rodgers, but replays showed that Rodgers’ arm was coming forward and they reversed the call to an incomplete pass and forced a punt. Speaking of calls, the officiating in this game was not very good once again, and I do believe the Packers got the benefit of some calls as well. I am more confused than ever on what constitutes pass interference these days.
No team has recovered their own onside kick this season so far. It appeared as if the Cowboys would get their chance at it late in the game, but Brett Maher missed a 33-yard field goal to end any chance at a comeback for Dallas. He also missed a 54-yard field goal in the first half.
Aaron Jones probably feels at home at AT&T Stadium as much as Aaron Rodgers does, if not more. Jones’ four rushing touchdowns tied a franchise record and was the first since Dorsey Levens had four in a game vs the Arizona Cardinals in January of 2000. It was also the first time the Cowboys allowed four rushing touchdowns to the same runner in franchise history. How often do the Packers dominate on offense without Rodgers throwing a touchdown pass?
It’s almost laughable to say this after the defense gave up 563 yards, but I thought they bounced back in this game after their poor performance on Thursday night vs the Eagles. They got three takeaways and three sacks vs the Cowboys after getting neither vs the Eagles. Dak Prescott threw for 463 yards and 2 touchdowns but had 3 interceptions and almost had 2 more. One potential interception was dropped while another one in the endzone was called back because of a penalty.
With the win, the Packers are 4-0 vs the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium and 5-0 there overall, including Super Bowl XLV. It’s a far cry from the 1990s when Brett Favre and Mike Holmgren couldn’t find a way to win at Texas Stadium. It’s a different venue, a different decade, and a different quarterback.
I think the players had their pride and their egos shattered in that game vs the Eagles. They also got some extra time off to prepare and get things turned around. I mentioned last week that two of the Cowboys’ three wins came against winless teams. Davante Adams or not, I knew the Packers could win this game. They just have to go out there and make plays, and they made enough to win.
The Packers can enjoy this win but they need to remain humble and focused. They need to take a look at the plays they didn’t make and resolve to be better the next time they hit the field. Their next game will be at home vs the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football.
Enjoy the win this week Packer fans! It’s always great when they beat the Cowboys, no matter where either team is in the standings! Have a great week!
Go Pack Go!
@DieHardPackrFan #DHPF #GregGoshaw @gg901
