Cowboys put strong home record on the line vs. Packers
Only at home can quarterback Dak Prescott and the NFL’s highest-scoring offense feel more confident going into the playoffs.
In a wild-card game on Sunday afternoon at AT&T Stadium—where Dallas finished the regular season with an undefeated 8-0 record—the Cowboys take on the Green Bay Packers.
Dallas finished 12-5 overall, averaging a league-high 29.9 points per game, and won the NFC East for the second time in three years.
Prescott led the NFL in touchdown passes with 36. With 135 receptions for 1,749 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, CeeDee Lamb set a league record.
Although the numbers are impressive, the Cowboys have higher goals in mind: playoff success.
Wide receiver Brandin Cooks of the Cowboys stated, “Obviously, there’s going to be a sense of urgency because there’s no tomorrow, because it’s win-or-go-home every single week.” “In the end, the Packers are a fantastic team that has been playing at a high level to close out the season.
No, there isn’t any pressure because we are aware of what is in front of us. It’s basketball playoff time. The best part of everyone’s ball is that. All we need to do is show up and stay true to who we are without expecting too much of ourselves. All we need to do is attend to our business.”
Although Green Bay is the underdog going into Texas, they have confidence in themselves. With one of the youngest rosters in the NFL, the Packers won six of their final eight games and their last three thanks to multiple strong performances from quarterback Jordan Love and running back Aaron Jones, who finally appeared healthy.
Love was second only to Prescott in touchdown passes completed. In his final eight starts, he took over, throwing for eighteen touchdowns and just one pick.
In reference to Love’s growth, guard Jon Runyan said, “Everyone looks to him as a leader.” “He is in total command of this offense and everything he does. On the field, you can see that we have faith in him.
With 912 yards from scrimmage (793 receiving, 119 rushing) and 10 touchdowns (eight receiving, two rushing), rookie wide receiver Jayden Reed led the team. Jones also added three touchdowns (two receiving, one rushing) and 889 yards from scrimmage (656 rushing, 233 receiving).
According to Packers coach Matt LaFleur, his group is competing as though it has nothing to lose.
“I think for us it’s just the opportunity to be in the dance and have a great week of preparation and put our best foot forward,” LaFleur stated. “I believe this has been going on for the past few weeks. We were aware of the stakes. For us, the past three weeks have essentially been playoff games. In actuality, it’s the next chance.”
Mike McCarthy, the coach of the Cowboys, will have the opportunity to create history on the opposing sideline against his old team. McCarthy can become the first person to win a playoff game against a team he won a Super Bowl with as head coach. McCarthy was the Packers’ coach during the 2010 season when they won the Super Bowl.
When asked about his time in Green Bay and his feelings towards the game, McCarthy avoided answering.
“This game’s about our commitment,” he stated. “It doesn’t matter who we’re playing.”
One injured player from each team missed the first practice of the week. Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore missed the game due to a shoulder injury, while Packers running back A.J. Dillon was out due to injuries to his thumb and neck. Gilmore expressed his confidence in his ability to play on Sunday.
In their most recent meeting, which took place on November 13, 2022, Green Bay prevailed 31–28. Since Green Bay’s 34-31 victory in Dallas on January 15, 2017, this is their first playoff meeting.
