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[author image=”https://www.the3pointconversion.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/pic-copy.jpg” ]Raphael Haynes, Atlanta, GA @mrcontroversy21[/author]
(4-1) Dallas Cowboys vs (3-1) Green Bay Packers
This game should tell it all. The surprising Cowboys travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Packers in what should be one heck of a game. The Cowboys come into the game on a four game winning streak. What’s most impressive, is they are doing this without Tony Romo and Dez Bryant. Yet still, the offense is flowing and moving fluently up and down the field and actually looks better than it did when Romo and Bryant was in the lineup. Meanwhile the Packers don’t look like themselves right now. Yes they’re 3-1 but the offense is not really clicking on all cylinders like we are accustom to seeing. The defense has been mediocre as a whole but against the run, they have been lights out and the best in the NFL only allowing a spectacular 42.8 rushing yards per game.
Keys To The Game
It’s imperative that the Cowboys dominate the trenches. Rookie standouts Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot have been impressive carrying the team thus far, but the true MVP’s of the team has been the offensive linemen. Since they are going against the best rushing defense, running it down their throats would be demoralizing to the Packers causing them to feel defenseless. On defense, it’s a must that they create heavy pressure from the defensive line to cause Rodgers to get antsy but still controlling him from picking up large chunks of yards scrambling by corralling him in the pocket.
On offense, the Packers need to establish the running game in the worst way. The predictable quick passing plays combined with the receivers not getting open is what is preventing the Packers from being that explosive offense that they once were. They are lethal when the running game is affective. This will cause the play-action to come alive which is their most prized weapon. Defensively it’s no secret, stop the run! If they can slow down Elliot, they can make Dallas one dimensional and pin their ears back to rush the passer.
X-Factor
The X-Factor for the Cowboys is linebacker Anthony Hitchens. Hitchens has the daunting task of spying on Rodgers, stopping the run, playing chess against Rodgers and managing to make tackles on the short quick throws across the middle. He will be vital to this team’s possible success Sunday if he can be a thorn in Rodgers side by making Rodgers uncomfortable.
The X-Factor for the Packers is Davonte Adams. Adams hasn’t lived up to his potential so far. This could work in his favor since Dallas will be paying special attention to Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb. Adams has to take advantage of the single coverage and force the Cowboys to bring help which will free up coverage on Cobb and Nelson.
Prediction: That Lambeau mystique should be tough on the young quarterback Prescott but knowing Prescott, he won’t even notice it. Dallas wins 23-19.
