Green Bay Packers: 3 ways to beat Dallas Cowboys in Week 5
The Green Bay Packers have a huge matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5 and must accomplish these three tasks in order to bring home a victory.
The Green Bay Packers head to Dallas for their Week 5 matchup against the Cowboys with a rain cloud hanging over their head. Their offense has struggled to consistently move the ball and score throughout the season. Last Thursday against the Philadelphia Eagles may have been the lone exception. Unfortunately, they’ll possibly be without star wide receiver Davante Adams.
Adams suffered a turf-toe injury late in the game against the Eagles and never returned. As we await Green Bay’s decision about whether to play Adams, we also agonize over the upcoming game.
Similar to the Packers, the Cowboys are also 3-1 at this juncture in the season. They’re a balanced team that could give the Packers fits on both sides of the ball, as they definitely present similar challenges to that of the Eagles. Still, Green Bay will do everything they can to bring home a victory and return to Lambeau Field in Week 6 with a 4-1 record. In order to do so, here are three things the Pack must accomplish.
Limit Ezekiel Elliott
The Packers defense has been very good this season-at least in three of the four games. However, they have consistently struggled to stop the run against the Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos and Eagles. It’s been a theme and it’s certainly made the book about how to attack this new and improved unit.
That’s why it’s worrisome with the Cowboys up next on the schedule. Dallas ranks fifth in the NFL with 145.5 rush yards per game and eighth in yards per rush attempt. Elliot is the obvious monster in the run game, but Tony Pollard is a good change of pace back as well. Even when Elliot rests, the Packers can’t let their guard down. In order for Green Bay to win, they must limit this run game and get off the field quickly.
Force Turnovers
In the three Packers’ victories, they forced timely turnovers. Whether it be in the endzone or to set their offense up with great field position, their defense was all over it. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen against the Eagles who were able to control the ball and the game. That must change against the Cowboys.
Dak Prescott has taken some steps forward this season, but he can be prone to turnovers. Green Bay must figure out a way to rattle him and force him into mistakes that can help this defense turn the game around. The good news is that seems to be Mike Pettine’s specialty.
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Control the Clock
For most of the season, Green Bay has struggled to consistently move the chains. Heck, they’ve struggled to even pick up one first down on some drives. That must change in order for Green Bay to beat a talented Cowboys team.
The Packers defense has spent way too much time on the field recently and Green Bay needs to flip that script. They’ve struggled on the ground, but must find a way to get that going and begin controlling the clock. As talented as their defense is, everyone gets bad when they are fatigued. It will be especially difficult if Adams sits, but it will be up to Aaron Rodgers and this rushing attack to sustain some consistency and stay on the field.