The Green Bay Packers went into Dallas, coming off their
first loss of the season. They faced the 3-1 Dallas Cowboys in a game that gave
the Packers their first true test of 2019. The first 40 minutes of the game
could not have gone any better for the Packers, as they held a 31-3 lead
towards the end of the third quarter. Packers fans hearts pounded the rest of
the way, as the Cowboys staged a furious comeback and got within 10 points. A
missed field goal secured the Packers victory 34-24. Let’s review the game.
Aaron Jones/RB- Aaron Jones could not have picked a better
day to have the game of his life. The Packers offense was without Davante Adams
and Jamal Williams for this one, and they lost center Corey Linsley in the
first half due to a concussion. Jones ended up with 26 touches for 182 yards
from scrimmage and four touchdowns.
Za’Darius Smith/OLB- One of the three big defensive free
agent signings and now the Packers defensive captain, Za’Darius Smith dropped
Prescott twice and was in his face all afternoon.
Preston Smith/OLB- The other Smith was in Pres
cott’s face
all game as well. The Packers are getting more than what they paid for with
these two.
Aaron Rodgers/QB- Aaron is getting more comfortable
each week. Without Davante Adams, possibly the best receiver in the NFL at the
moment, Rodgers was comfortable all game, finding nine different receivers to throw to.
Tra Carson/RB- In a surprising move, Tra Carson got called
up off the practice squad to be the backup running back for this one, not the
rookie Dexter Williams. Carson had 10 touches for 32 yards, picked up key
blocks, and gave Aaron Jones much needed spells throughout this game.
The Referees- We tend not to complain about the referees as
both teams get both helped and hampered by officiating over the course of an NFL
game. This game had plays that will certainly be reviewed by the NFL offices. It was that bad.
Run Game- Aaron Jones is a workhorse back. In this game, Jones showed
us why he is so highly thought of, carrying the Packers to a crucial road win. He
is a dynamic player, but they cannot rely on him to stay at top form, given his
size. They need Jamal Williams back.