Dave’s Two Minute Drill
Packers vs. Cowboys (The Saga continues)
This Sunday marks the next chapter in the historic Packers Cowboys rivalry. The last few contests have been highly contested battles that have seen the Packers come out on top. Cowboy fans have had images of Jared Cook’s sideline catch, Mason Crosby’s game winning kick in last years playoff game, and Dez Bryant’s infamous dropped pass at Lambeau Field burned into their memories.
Coming into this week’s contest, both the Packers and the Cowboys are moving in two completely different directions. The Packers are riding high after a 35-14 romping of the Chicago Bears that improved their record to 3-1. The Packers are getting healthy, the younger players are getting much needed experience in the system, and the team’s chemistry and continuity is growing.
The Cowboys have had a slow start to their season thus far. Last week’s game was one of the low points of the season, seeing them squander a two score lead at home against the Rams. The Rams were able to move the ball at will, and the Cowboys could not provide an answer on defense. The team has started 2-2 over their first four games, and is still searching for their first signature win of the season. The Cowboys would like nothing more than to rebound from their brutal loss last weekend with a win against the Green Bay Packers.
Keys to Victory: ????
Cowboys:
Remain physical with the Packers Receivers:
The Cowboys secondary must combat the Packers passing attack by being physical with their receivers. They must bump and jam the Packers receivers within the 5 yard window of contact and win the battle at the line of scrimmage. If the Cowboys can bump and disrupt Packers receivers from their routes, the timing of the play will be off which could cause turnovers and incomplete passes. This disruption of the Packers timing routes will help Dallas’s defense get off the field sooner by creating shorter drives, and allowing the Cowboys to win the time of possession battle.
Find a Way to Run the Ball:
The Key to victory ???? for the Cowboys lies in the hands of Ezekiel Elliot and the Cowboys offensive line. If the Cowboys can dominate the point of attack, and provide running lanes for Zeke, they will be able to shorten the game and give Aaron Rodgers fewer offensive possessions.
Packers ????:
Utilizing Quick Passes and the Hurry Up Offense:
In order to continue to expose the Cowboys subpar defense, the Packers must get off to a quick start by implementing quick passes to increase the pace of the game. Increasing the pace of the game will cause confusion in the Cowboys secondary and force them into unfavorable matchups. Increasing the pace of play on offense will allow for Green Bay’s offensive line to settle into the flow of the game. Once the Packers offensive line has their legs back underneath them, they will be able to methodically dictate their offensive attack throughout the rest of the game.
Winning the Battle upfront:
The key ???? to the game for the Packers is winning the point of attack on defense with their front seven. Look for Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark to be physical with the Cowboys offensive line and shrink the running lanes of Ezekiel Elliot. It is important for Dom Capers to send blitzes from different sides of the field to allow for extra help stopping both Ezekiel Elliot and Dak Prescott. It is important to both contain Dak Prescott within the pocket, as well as have the ability to shrink his pocket, line of vision, and time to throw the football.
Predictions:
1. The Packers offense puts up over 400 yards of offense.
2. The Packers hold Ezekiel Elliot under 100 yards rushing.
3. Aaron Rodgers throws for 350 Yards and 3 touchdowns
4. The Packers win a shoot out 38-31 despite being two point underdogs.
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David Michalski is a recent college graduate from Princeton New Jersey who has been a life long Green Bay Packers fan. Like the great Vince Lombardi, he values God, family, and the Green Bay Packers in that order. You can follow him on twitter at @kilbas27dave
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