This Sunday as you all well know by now, the Green Bay will play the Dallas Cowboy’s in Arlington, TX at AT&T Stadium. Aaron Rodgers has never lost a game at AT&T, having won all 3 contests including Super Bowl 45. The Packers are actually 4-0 at AT&T. In 2013, with Aaron Rodgers out with a broken collarbone, QB Matt Flynn led the Packers to a heroic 2nd half comeback for a thrilling 37-36 victory. There have been several memorable Packer plays in the Cow-Pokes home. Aaron Rodgers to Jared Cook along the sidelines, setting up Crosby’s winning field goal, and Davante Adams last second reception for a game winning TD, just to name a couple. Let’s say this Sunday the Packers and Head Coach Matt LaFleur will need more magic to come away with a victory.

Injuries to key players once again are plaguing the Packers. There will be no last second TD pass to Davante Adams, because he is ruled out with a turf toe injury. Other key absences appear to be RB Jamal Williams (Concussion), CB Tony Brown (Hamstring), and CB Kevin King is listed as Doubtful, with a groin injury. On the Questionable list are OT Brian Bulaga (Shoulder), DT Montravius Adams (Shoulder), LB Kyler Fackrell (Shoulder) and LB Oren Burks (Chest). One name that is troublesome to me is CB Kevin KIng. His inability to stay on the field is problematic for the Packers. Out of a possible 37 NFL games, King has only appeared in 19. He is extremely talented, if he could play consistently he is a Pro Bowl quality Corner, having received the highest grade on defense vs the Eagles, in a heart breaking loss. This season could be his last in Green Bay.

On offense the Packers will now rely heavily on Aaron Rodgers’ arm and apparently his legs. Rodgers was the Packers leading rusher vs the Eagles, isn’t that a familiar sight. I’ve never been sold on Aaron Jones as a lead runnung back, he’s more of a Alvin Kamara type, but with less talent. On the flip side, I’ve always thought RB Jamal Williams should be the workhorse back, with Jones being the gimmicky slasher/receiving back. In the absence of WR Davante Adams expect to see more of WR Geronimo Allison who has good chemistry with Aaron. I know most are high on Marquez Valdes-Scantling because of his speed, but he hasn’t developed the chemistry with Aaron. Scantling doesn’t make the natural adjustments on routes we were accustomed to seeing Jordy Nelson/James Jones among others, make. The closest WR besides GMo to make those on the field adjustments is Jake Kumerow, but he also has trouble staying on the field.

Defensively the Packers MUST stop the run. Dallas’ RB Ezekiel Elliott is probably salivating to be turned loose against the Packer’s weak run defense. I believe the Run D is ranked 26th in the NFL, having allowed close to 600 yards rushing in 4 games. The positives for this defense are pressuring/sacking the QB and turnovers. Defensive Coordinator Mike Pettine made those a focus for 2019 and appears to be successful so far. On the front line, the Packers miss DT Montravius Adams, if he can return Kenny Clark won’t see as many double teams. The addition through waiver pick up of OLB Tim Williams from the Ravens looks like a gem. Williams was a standout at Alabama, but never got the opportunity to develop with the Ravens. On the back end of the defense Sunday, look for CB/S Josh Jackson to see an increase in playing time. Jackson needs to step up big time and channel his Iowa playing days.

I’m looking for the Packers to be competitive in this game, their chance at victory is to keep it close and see what happens. I initially had the Packers at 4-4 through eight games. They currently stand at 3-1, with the Cowboys, Lions, Raiders and Chiefs rounding out the first half of the season. Besides this game against the Cowboys, the Lions game will be key. The Detroit Lions are the most improved team in the North Division and truthfully, they scare me. The Packers have lost four straight to the Lions, I’d like to see that streak come to an end. In all likely-hood the Packers should finish the first half of 2019 5-3, quite an accomplishment for Coach LaFleur.

On to Dallas errrr Arlington!! LOL

As Always, Go Pack Go!

PackerGreg

PackerGreg Veteran/Go Army @DrGTP on Twitter