Packers Defense Stuns Dallas With Dominant Display

Dominating the Cowboys Offense

Matt LaFleur did not think 23 points would be enough to defeat Dallas. The Green Bay Packers head coach expected Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens to test his team. Instead, the Packers defense controlled the game on Sunday in a 23-13 win at Lambeau Field.

Dallas sat on seven points until scoring in the final minute. The Cowboys managed just 48 rushing yards on 15 carries, with no run longer than eight yards. Dallas produced only one play longer than 17 yards, which came on a 21 yard pass to Pickens late in the fourth quarter.

Heavy Blitzes and Turnovers

Green Bay has now held three straight opponents to 14 points or fewer. That has not happened for the team since the 2016 season. Over this three game streak, the Packers have allowed 34 total points.

Defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon put together this run without top pass rusher Micah Parsons, who is working back from a torn left ACL. The defense also lost linebacker Edgerrin Cooper to a torn Achilles in Week 4. Gannon adjusted by calling heavy blitz packages and man coverage. Green Bay pressured Prescott on 21 of his 41 second half dropbacks.

The aggression created key turnovers. Safety Evan Williams intercepted Prescott near the goal line in the second quarter. One series later, rookie cornerback Brandon Cisse collected his first career interception. The Packers now have nine interceptions and 11 takeaways this season, tying Seattle for the NFL lead.

What it means for the next game

The Packers may see more reinforcements soon. Running back Josh Jacobs came off the commissioner exempt list on Monday, which could help an offense that has averaged 59.8 rushing yards per game. Meanwhile, the defense heads on the road with plenty of momentum.

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions (NFL, Sun, 25 Oct): Detroit Lions win 55%, Green Bay Packers win 45%; projected score Detroit Lions 28, Green Bay Packers 24. Our safest pick: Under 59.5 points.