Packers bomb the Cowboys

Green Bay continued on the right path after another dominant victory over another storied rival in the NFL.

Led by a strong showing from its defense, the Packers took down the Dallas Cowboys 23-13 on Oct. 18 at Lambeau Field.

Green Bay’s defense was the story of the game, as defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon’s unit held Dallas, which had been averaging just north of 27 points per game, to just 13 points. The strong play from Gannon’s unit came as a team, as Javon Bullard, Brandon Cisse, Evan Williams, Ty’Ron Hopper and Carrington Valentine all recorded pass defensed, Lukas Van Ness recorded a sack, and Cisse and Williams came away with interceptions.

“I thought (Gannon) was aggressive getting pressure on the quarterback,” said Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. “You know, it’s hard to throw when you got stuff in your face, and I thought the coverage was outstanding.”

Green Bay’s offense was once again propelled by the passing attack. Jordan Love finished the game by completing 23-of-41 passes for 276 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Matthew Golden continued his hot streak, as the second-year player recorded 104 yards and a touchdown on six receptions. Christian Watson added another 64 yards on three receptions.

The run game was once again a struggle for Green Bay’s offense, as it was only able to muster 57 yards on the ground. Pierre Strong led the way, taking 11 carries for 28 yards, while Love chipped in 12 yards and a touchdown on four carries.

While getting the run game going is certainly a point of emphasis moving forward for Green Bay, the team has scored 54 points over the last two games, mostly on the back of Love and the pass game.

“I think it all starts up front,” said Love, alluding to the offensive line’s effect on the offense’s success. “I think that is where we have put a lot of focus, and I think those guys have responded and (have) been doing a great job in pass (protection).”

Green Bay’s first drive against Dallas may have been the best that Green Bay has looked all season long, as the Packers drove 90 yards in 14 plays, culminating in Golden’ touchdown reception. Not only was the drive positive due to getting an early lead, but Love said getting off to a hot start is an important part of the team’s identity.

“You have to start fast from the get-go,” said Love. “To put together a long drive like that – it’s huge. You have to be able to do that and obviously come away with a touchdown at the end of it.”

Five players were involved in the drive that saw Green Bay convert three third downs, as well as overcome a 15-yard taunting penalty.

“That’s what it needs to be,” said Love. “That’s kind of the standard for us, where we have to keep building. When you put together a drive like that, you got to be able to follow that up with another one.”

The first drive was a foreshadow in the rest of the game in the fact that Green Bay’s ability to convert on third down was on display all night long. In total, the team finished 11-for-18 on third-down attempts.

“I think guys just made plays,” said Love, when asked about the third-down success.

For Dallas, quarterback Dak Prescott finished the game completing 34-of-54 passes for 258 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

George Pickens was the leading receiver, totaling 73 yards on six receptions, while CeeDee Lamb hauled in nine passes for 70 yards. Ryan Flournoy added another 40 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions.

In the run game, Javonte Williams recorded 40 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.

The win over the Cowboys gives the Packers a 4-2 record as it prepares for a Week 7 matchup against the Detroit Lions. With both Detroit and Minnesota on bye and Chicago winning this week, Green Bay sits at second in the division, only behind the 5-0 Vikings.